Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Lance wasn’t the same person as he was when he first joined Voltron and neither were his teammates. They changed just as much as he did but so did their attitudes towards him. No longer did they laugh at his jokes or his poor attempts at flirting. Instead they criticize him about every little thing that they don’t like.

As the Paladins of Voltron, their job was difficult and extremely taxing on the mind and body. Ever since joining, he has had to work harder than ever before. He needed to become stronger, mentally and physically to be able to bear the burden of being a paladin. He trains his body in all forms of combat that was available in the castle of lions. He meditates daily to strengthen his mental barriers to keep away the emotions he didn't want coming forth.

Allura and Keith could be particularly cruel when they were in a mood and chose Lance as their punching bag for their harsh words. He knew it was because he didn’t bother to argue back and it made him an easy target to take their anger out on. However, he was starting to get fed up from being treated like he wasn’t worth respecting. He was supposed to be their friend and teammate.

Smelling Hunk’s amazing cooking lured him to the dining room where everyone was already there. He couldn’t remember when they stopped inviting him to dinner and when he stopped caring.

Hunk and Pidge were huddled together talking about something he could care less about. Coran, Allura, and Keith were talking about their recent missions and what they could do differently in the future. Lance wasn’t interested in their conversations as he picked at the food on his plate, not having an appetite.

Lance missed Shiro because he always treated everyone the same and with respect. He never belittled Lance and made sure he was included in everything they discussed. With Shiro, they were a proper team with good communication and teamwork. Their recent missions have been difficult without Shiro taking command and leading them. Keith lacked leadership and blamed everyone else when things went wrong.

Lance finished his food quickly and headed towards the training room to clear his thoughts, his bayard in hand. Lance began his training with meditation, pushing unwanted thoughts and emotions behind his mental barriers. Once he felt ready mentally, he began to stretch and properly warm his body up before he summoned the training bot.

“Begin training sequence!” Lance called out, his bayard in hand and ready. “Level 18.”

The bot materialized in the center of the room and Lance hit it with a well aimed shot from his rifle. Instead of taking the shot, it summoned a shield to block the bullet before it charged at him immediately with a spear in hand. Lance managed to change his rifle into a spear to defend himself from blow after blow as the bot attacked him.

The bot was relentless with each attack and every hit left his entire body feeling as though it was being rattled. Using both the shield and the spear to its advantage made it difficult for Lance to land a hit.

As a paladin, his bayard bends to his will and while the bot was attacking, he willed his bayard to materialize into his left hand where he shoved the dagger into its neck and severing its head from its body completely.

The bot disintegrated as it crumbled to the floor and Lance sighed in relief when the level finally ended. Taking a moment to catch his breath and wipe his brow, he continued to practice before he decided that was enough training for the day and headed towards the showers.

On the way to the showers, he couldn’t help but feel as though someone were watching him. His shoulders felt strangely cool and his body was far more tense than usual. It wasn’t like anyone could easily sneak into the castle of lions and if there was an intruder, they would have been alerted.

Lance blamed his paranoia as he stopped by his room to grab his toiletries. The scalding hot water was welcomed as it helped Lance’s tense muscles relax. He closed his eyes and just let the water run down his body. These fast heating showers beat the ones in the garrison.

Just a few months ago he barely had any muscle and was extremely weak. Just the low level of the training was hard on his body. Keith often gave him a hard time but now he has the muscle and strength to properly fight and defend the universe.

Lance was competent in single hand-to-hand combat as well as group combat. He much prefers using his rifle and helping his teammates but if it were to come to close combat, he wouldn’t be an easy opponent.

His body was well toned and lean, making him strong and fast. He was quick on his feet and had sharp reflexes. Altean technology allows the training bot to analyze him during fights and recognize his weaknesses. Each level was personalized to his specific style, focusing on his strengths and weaknesses.

The heat worked the stress and tension from his body, leaving him feeling boneless. The urge to take a nap was very strong considering his broken sleep schedule. He barely sleeps as his dreams often turn into nightmares.

“Lance? Are you here?” Keith called as he entered the showers and came across Lance standing naked beneath the spray. Lance didn’t bother with the shield that acts like a wall to cover his body because he didn’t expect anyone to come around.

Keith’s eyes scanned Lance’s body and he was not discreet about it. “Yes?” Lance turned to face him with a blank expression. Instead of freaking out or acting timid, he let Keith continue to stare at his body before the other Paladin snapped himself out of it.

Keith flushed a bright red and turned around to hide his inflamed cheeks. Lance rolled his eyes and turned the water off and wrapped a towel around his waist.

“If it’s not important, I’m going to my room.” Lance waited for Keith to turn back around.

“Another nap? You can’t just be sleeping and lazing around all day while the rest of us are working hard.” Keith scolded.

“I already trained for the day. If you don’t believe me, check the footage.” Lance grabbed his bag with his toiletries and stepped past Keith, not willing to deal with his attitude.

Keith grabbed his wrist. “You can’t talk to me like that.”

Lance scoffed and easily got out of Keith’s grip. “I am not going to waste my breath on you.”

Lance walked back to his room where he threw his bag into his small bathroom angrily. Lance got dressed and flopped down onto his bed feeling frustrated. He wanted to cry. He honestly didn’t want to be here anymore. If this was considered so important and great, why didn’t it feel like it?

Chapter Text

The Castle of Lions was silent and cold. The sort of cold that lingered from the lives that no longer fill the castle with warmth.

Lotor made his way into the castle of lions without being caught. He expected it to be more difficult but with his Altean blood, the ship didn’t recognize him as a threat and so he remained on the ship to gather information on the paladins and used one of the abandoned rooms no one uses anymore.

One of the paladins caught his eyes and he found it odd that he pilots the red lion but wears the blue paladin’s armor. However, considering that their leader isn’t present at the moment, they were out of order. He noticed the other paladins practically ignored their teammate. They had no coordination and their leader who wore red armor wasn’t leader material.

Princess Allura wasn’t much of a leader either and with their team being so undivided, it would be easy to overpower Voltron but he wasn’t interested in that. Perhaps causing more chaos would be fun and that would be getting to the vulnerable blue paladin.

Everyone was so relaxed and unguarded that it was easy to sneak around and watch the team interact. He doubted they would even notice if he happened to be in plain sight.

The blue paladin picked at his food disinterested before pushing the plate away and getting up. No one noticed him leaving or even when he had arrived for that matter. Lotor followed him.

The training room on the Castle of Lions was impressive and Lotor watched as the boy did a few stretching exercises. He hadn’t changed into his armor and instead remained in his jeans and long sleeve.

Lotor wondered if he was going to fight without a weapon when his bayard appeared in his hand.

“Begin training sequence!” He called out, his bayard in hand and ready. “Level 18.”

The bot materialized in the center of the room and the paladin hit it with a well aimed shot from his rifle. Instead of taking the shot, it summoned a shield to block the bullet before it charged at him immediately with a spear in hand. He managed to change his rifle into a spear to defend himself from blow after blow as the bot attacked him.

The bot was relentless with each attack and every hit made Lotor’s own body rattle.

As a paladin, his bayard bent to his will and while the bot was attacking, he willed his bayard to materialize into his left hand where he shoved the dagger into its neck and severed its head from its body completely.

The bot disintegrated as it crumbled to the floor and the paladin sighed in relief when the level finally ended. Taking a moment to catch his breath and wipe his brow, he continued to practice before he disabled the bot and left the training room.

It was rather impressive to watch the paladin fight and even though he was surprised the bot summoned a shield to block his shot, the paladin didn’t let that stop him from changing his tactic.

Lotor followed him to the showers and watched him strip, appreciating his lean and muscled body as he stepped under the spray.

“Lance? Are you here?” A voice called and Lotor made sure he was hidden. So his name was Lance?

The red paladin approached his stall while Lance could care less the other man was able to see him naked. The red paladin turned an embarrassing red and Lotor softly chuckled.

Lance rolled his eyes and turned the water off and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his waist.

“If it’s not important, I’m going to my room.” Lance waited for the red paladin to turn back around.

“Another nap? You can’t just be sleeping and lazing around all day while the rest of us are working hard.” He scolded.

“I already trained for the day. If you don’t believe me, check the footage.” Lance grabbed his bag with his toiletries and stepped past his teammate, not willing to deal with his attitude.

He grabbed Lance’s wrist. “You can’t talk to me like that.”

Lance scoffed and easily got out of the paladin's grip. “I am not going to waste my breath on you.”

Lance walked away and Lotor followed him. He entered his room and once he made sure no one was coming down the halls, he walked to the door and pressed his ear against it.

He heard some sniffling and wondered if the boy was crying.

Lotor had come here to gather intel on the paladins but now he found his mission changing. Perhaps he could recruit the blue paladin. His own teammates didn’t appreciate him and Lotor has a habit of taking in misfits. At least with Lotor, his skills would be appreciated and given how his teammates treated him, he didn’t think it would be that hard.

Chapter Text

Lance woke up in his small bed with burning eyes. He had cried himself to sleep and felt pathetic for even feeling this way. Why should he be the one who feels like shit?

Getting up and changing into baggy sweatpants and a cropped tank top, he made his way to the training room. He preferred to train early in the mornings or late at night to avoid the rest of his team.

However, when he arrived at the training room, Keith was already there and training on level thirteen.

Their swords clashed as Keith attempted to overpower the bot but it swiftly kicked him in the stomach, knocking the breath out of him.

“End training sequence!” Keith wheezed, struggling to catch his breath. He finally noticed Lance.

“What are you doing here?” Keith sneered and Lance rolled his eyes.

“I came here to train.” Lance ignored Keith snickering something under his breath.

Lance began stretching and cleared his mind to focus on the task at hand. If Keith wanted to stay and watch, so be it.

“Begin level 19.” Lance called and the bot materialized behind with a staff in its hand. Lance summoned his own staff and blocked its attack. Lance stepped back and dove into a roll and swiped the bots’ feet with his own staff and when it fell down, he stabbed it with a finishing blow.

“Level 19 complete.”

“Begin level 20.”

“Level 20 complete.”

“End training sequence.” Lance called and retracted his bayard and wiped his brow. He raised an eyebrow at Keith and headed towards the showers.

Keith ran after him.

“Fighting a bot is different from fighting real enemies you know,” Keith started. “No matter how hard you train, you’re still useless.”

Lance felt a pang in his heart and while they never actually used the word “useless” it had hurt to hear it. Ignoring Keith who kept following him, he entered the showers and knew Keith had left when he turned the water on.

Lance let out a sigh of relief and stripped to stand under the hot spray. Once again, he felt that he was being watched and yet there was no one in sight and Keith had already left. Okay this paranoia was starting to irritate him.

Lance quickly finished his shower and dressed in his room before heading to the dining room for breakfast. He needed to eat something even if he currently didn’t have an appetite.

“Lance isn’t the right fit for this team anymore.” He recognized Keith’s voice.

“At least he stopped his stupid jokes and flirting with everyone he meets.” Another voice quipped that sounded much like Allura. Of course it was her.

“We don’t know anyone who can pilot the red lion with Shiro gone.” Allura said. “I suppose we can look into our contacts but we should keep it quiet.”

Lance didn’t want to listen anymore and practically ran back to his room. He was more sad than angry and took shaky deep breaths. He didn’t want to cry anymore but when he entered the comforts of his room, he couldn’t help it.

Suddenly, the hairs on his neck stood when he felt someone else in his room.

Lance summoned his bayard but a voice spoke. “No need to be afraid.”

He had an accent similar to Allura’s but it sounded much better on him.

“Who are you?” Lance grabbed his bayard tightly.

“My name is Lotor.” The man replied and Lance could see faint yellow eyes.

“Get out!” Lance hissed and swung his dagger but a hand caught his wrist. He grunted as he was pushed against his bed and the man's much larger form covered his own.

“I’m not here to hurt you.” The man said and Lance could hardly see his face in the dark. Lance thought he was galran but his skin was a lighter purple and had long white hair.

“Then what do you want?” Lance tried to push him off but he was too strong.

“I snuck onto the castle to gather intel but seeing how your so-called team treats you, I thought I might recruit you.” Lotor explained, his mouth a little too close to his ear. Lance shuddered. Not now stupid body!

“Recruit me?”

“Your team doesn’t value you.” Lance flinched and knew it was true.

“You heard what they said then? Wait, have you been the one watching me? I thought I was just being paranoid.” Lance gave up trying to fight back and even though the man noticed, he didn’t move.

“You were the only one who seemed to notice my presence.” Lotor told him. “And yes I heard and I am not surprised. They don’t seem to realize how valuable you truly are. I watched you train and they are the ones who are lacking.”

Lance felt his face heat up and he looked away. “I’m not that valuable.”

“You are. Incredibly smart and fast. You are able to think quickly and get out of difficult situations.” Lotor smirked and leaned closer to his ear.

“I want you to join me.” He whispered and heard the paladin suck in a breath.
“How do I know you’re not trying to split up voltron?” Lance asked, his voice tight.

“It already has.” Lotor could see the blue paladin consider his words. “I have been you at some point in my life. I finally had the strength to leave and I’ve been better for it.”

“You want me to join you?” Lance whispered.

“I do. We aren’t anything like those in Zarkon’s empire. Our goal is to undermine the empire and build a new one.” Lotor wondered if he was telling him too much but he knew he had his attention.

Lance considered his words and took a deep breath. “I’m in. I’ll join you.”

Lance hoped this wasn’t a mistake but he felt like Lotor was being truthful and even if he was being deceitful, it wouldn’t matter. Either way, he will get away from Voltron and his teammates, even if it means being a prisoner.

“What do you need me to do?” Lance asked.

“Nothing for now. I will come back soon.” Lotor moved to get up but Lance grabbed his shoulders, surprising himself.

“S-sorry I didn’t mean to grab you.” Lance said feeling flustered. Why did he grab him?

Lotor chuckled deep in his throat and leaned down so their faces were merely centimeters apart. “I promise I’ll be back.”

Lance thought Lotor was going to kiss him but then he pulled away and felt slightly disappointed. Lance watched him leave before flopping back down onto his bed with a groan.

Fuck.

Lotor was hot.

Chapter Text

It had been a week since meeting Lotor and it was much easier to get by knowing he will get away eventually. Although, doubt started to creep in as the days went by slowly. Would Lotor actually come back or was he trying to mess with him?

Lance had just finished his training and took a long hot shower. He needed it. He allowed his body to relax as he stood under the spray for a while. Once he was starting to prune he turned the water off, wrapped a towel around his waist, and headed to his room.

When his door closed behind him and before he could even turn on the lights he was pushed against the door. He began to panic and struggle until he noticed it was Lotor.

“Nice to see you again,” Lotor said against his ear and Lance blushed, feeling exposed given that he was only in a towel.

“Can I see you?” Lance blurted out randomly.

Lotor chuckled and turned on the light so Lance was able to see him.

He was right. Lotor was galran but didn’t look like the rest of his kin. His skin was a beautiful shade of lilac and his hair long and white. His eyes were yellow but unlike his kin, he had irises that were a brilliant dark blue that reminded him of the galaxy surrounding them.

“You’re not bothered?” Lotor noticed his lack of shock or even outrage. People tend to be distrusting towards the galra. He didn’t blame them.

“Should I be?” Lance tilted his head.

“No, but I was expecting an outburst.” Lotor admitted.

Lance thought he sort of looked altean with the white hair and pointed ears but he didn’t see any marks on his cheeks. He was tall compared to Lance but he was lean and well built.

“Are you galran?” Lance wondered.

“Half. My mother was altean.” Lotor told him.

“I thought so, but I don’t see any marks.” Lance reached up without thinking and caressed his cheek. Once he realized what he did, he pulled his hand away as if he was burned and blushed.

“They are hidden,” Lotor demonstrated by shifting his lilac skin to a golden brown much like his own. His altean marks were purple and did blend in. Now that he knew they were there, Lance felt like he was able to see the marks have a slight little glow to them.

“Pretty,” Lance muttered.

“Thank you.” Lotor looked amused and Lance looked away in embarrassment.

“Sorry…” Lance mumbled.

“It’s not everyday that I get called pretty, but thank you.” Lotor teased, still pinning Lance against his door.

They both quickly became aware of how close they actually were and Lance looked up at him, his breath catching in his throat as Lotor’s skin returned to purple. Now that he knew the marks were there, Lance felt like he was able to see the marks have a slight little glow to them.

“Can I kiss you?” Lotor’s question surprised them both but Lance nodded.

Closing the distance between them, Lotor captured his lips with a light kiss, testing the waters.

Lance stood on his tiptoes to deepen the kiss, feeling fuzzy and his stomach doing several backflips. He groaned when Lotor’s hands grabbed his waist and Lance buried his fingers into his soft hair.

Lotor growled, making Lance’s hair stand and he shivered as his hot tongue swiped his lips but a sudden knocking on the door made them both jump in surprise.

“Lance? Are you in there?” Lance immediately panicked and shoved Lotor towards his bed.

“I’m naked, give me a minute.” Lance called back and as Lotor laid down he covered him with the blanket and shoved a pillow onto his face. Lance dropped his towel and grabbed a long shirt and pulled it on before slipping under the blankets with Lotor, sitting on his hips. Hopefully, Lotor’s legs weren’t too noticeable to not be passed as his own.

“Come in.” Lance schooled his expression and Keith entered. He didn’t seem surprised that Lance was in bed.

“I wanted to let you know we will be going on a mission. We got a possible lead on Shiro. Don’t fuck it up like you always do.” With that, he turned on his heel and left his room.

Lance let out a breath but the impact of Keith’s words made him wish he was gone already. He had forgotten Lotor was there until the man cleared his throat.

“Sorry!” Lance panicked and grabbed the pillow and noticed he was sitting on Lotor’s hips.

Lotor sat up and Lance realized he wasn’t wearing anything under his shirt and let out a surprised squeak when the fabric of Lotor’s suit rubbed against his nether region.

Lotor also seemed to notice and looked down. Lance grabbed his shirt and pulled it down with his cheeks burning.

Lotor chuckled. “Do you always blush like this?”

Lance could only blush harder and looked away.

“Not that I’m complaining, but do you mind getting up? It’s getting rather warm.” Lance noticed a faint dark purple dusting his cheeks and he clumsily slid off his lap.

Lotor’s hair was slightly ruffled which made Lance giggle. “Here,” he reached over to his nightstand to grab a comb and handed it to Lotor.

“Thanks.” Lotor began to comb his hair.

“What do you use? Your hair is really soft.” Lance wondered.

“When you join me, I will tell you.” Lotor said amused and put the comb back where Lance had grabbed it.

“Will you let me braid it?” Lance asked and Lotor raised a white eyebrow.

“My hair is rather sensitive so as long as you promise to be gentle then yes.” Lotor smirked while Lance nodded excitedly.

“Promise!”

Silence washed over them and Lance took the chance to process what Keith had told him.

“A lead on Shiro? Probably another dead end.” Lance whispered. He wanted to see Shiro again because at least he always treated Lance fairly.

“Is Shiro your leader?” Lotor asked.

Lance nodded. “He was captured a while ago and Keith, who was just here, is piloting the black lion.”

“If anyone were to have him, it would be Hagar.” Lotor spat her name out. “Crazy witch.”

“I can’t imagine what he’s going through.” Lance shook his head. “Do you have to go?”

“I came here to give you this. It’s a tracker and when you are on your mission, send out a signal and I will come for you.” Lotor handed him what looked like a phone. “If you need to communicate in an emergency, just press this button.” Lotor pointed to one of the buttons.

“Would it be better if we made it look like you captured me as your prisoner?” Lance asked and Lotor nodded.

“I can do that.” Lance quickly agreed and Lotor got up from the bed and adjusted his armor.

“I’ll see you soon."
“Promise?” Lance grinned at Lotor who rolled his eyes playfully.

“Promise.”

Chapter Text

“Paladins! Get to your lions now!” Allura shouted urgently over the comms and Lance hopped from his bed immediately to change into his armor.

Ready with his bayard he jogged down to the hangar and zipped down right into the red lion that immediately hummed to live.

“Good Morning red, how are you beautiful?” Lance would miss this feeling of being connected with the lions. It was unlike anything he ever felt before.

The red lion purred in his head.

“Ready.” Lance spoke into the comms.

Allura was ready to go while the others were still on their way. He knew Keith was ready when he made a comment.

“Lance being first? I’m surprised since he is always last.” Keith snickered and Lance just rolled his eyes. Not dealing with Keith anymore only made him more excited.

“Whatever, mullet, just focus on your job as leader but it hasn’t even been five minutes and you’re already failing.” Lance quipped.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Oh, I don’t know, maybe let all your teammates know what the plan is so we don’t go in blind?” Lance snapped at him, annoyed. He had a different plan but going in blind was stupid.

“You will be with me and Allura while Pidge and Hunk find the control room. We will look for Shiro from there.” Keith explained and Lance rolled his eyes. Would have been nice to know that earlier.

“Yes sir,” Lance mock saluted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Lance, knock it off.” Allura scolded.

Once everyone was ready, Lance pulled out the phone Lotor had given him and pressed the signal to let Lotor know the plan was in motion. They went through a wormhole and flew the rest of the way to a ship. It had taken them nearly an hour to get there as they struggled to find the ship.

When they did come across the rather large ship, Lance noticed how empty it seemed. No other ships around and no fighters stationed outside. He supposed this was the work of Lotor and nearly bounced in his seat excitedly.

Pidge cloaked her lion and easily snuck onto the ship with Hunk. She probably wouldn’t even need to cloak her lion considering how barren it seemed.

The rest of them snuck in but it seemed pointless when they weren’t met with anyone.

“That’s strange.” Lance murmured.

“What?”

“There’s no one here.” Lance told Keith and they walked through the halls on edge.

“Probably waiting to ambush us. Pidge, what’s your position?” Keith asked over the comms.

“We’re here and I’m looking for the prison.” Pidge replied. “Sentries headed your way!”

Lance gripped his rifle and took a deep breath.

There were pounding footsteps in front and behind them. Lance turned and started firing as soon as he saw the sentries and didn’t miss a shot.

He was hoping Allura and Keith would cover his back but he was suddenly shot in the shoulder.

Pain immediately flared in his left arm but he didn’t stop shooting. He wasn’t even able to move his left arm and grew worried.

“You need to run straight and take a left, right, and keep going straight. I’ll tell you where to turn but you need to go now!” Pidge shouted over the comms and they battled their way through the sentries and followed Pidge’s directions.

Just before they rounded the corner, he got hit again but it only grazed his hip. He hissed but kept running behind Allura and Keith, shooting at the enemies behind him with his good arm.

It felt like an eternity when they finally reached the prison but it was empty.

“It’s empty!” Keith shouted in anger.

“Your leader isn’t here.” A silky voice purred and Lance immediately recognized it.

He had intentionally put distance between himself and his team, so that when Lotor stepped from the shadows, he would be right behind him.

Lance suddenly coughed feeling light headed and realized he had coughed up blood. “Fuck,” Lance fell to his knees, too weak to stand. His left arm was throbbing and he was burning up.

“Who are you? Where is Shiro?” Keith pointed his sword at Lotor who clicked his tongue in amusement.

“I am Prince Lotor,” Lotor stepped right behind Lance and looked down at him. “You’re surrounded with no way out. What will you do?”

“T-take me and let them go,” Lance croaked. “They won’t miss me.”

“Lance no!” Hunk cried over the comms and Lance felt guilty. Hunk has been his best friend for a long time but he also ignored him. He didn’t stand up for him or to make sure he was okay. Like everyone else, he looked away.

“A deal?” Lotor cooed and grabbed his chin and made Lance look up at him. “You will be my prisoner and in return, I let them go?”

Lance nodded. “Yes. I’ll belong to you.”

“Lance, we need Voltron.” Keith glared at Lotor.

“You need Voltron but not me right. You can look into your contacts and easily replace me.” Lance said coldly and Allura sucked in a breath when she realized Lance had heard them talking.

“I’ll probably be treated better as a prisoner anyways.” Lance spat blood at the ground while he glared at Keith.

“Fine.” Keith grinded his jaw.

“Lance, buddy, you can’t leave me alone! We always stick together.” Hunk cried and Lance felt himself choking up.

“I’ll be alright, buddy. Protect the universe and all that.” Lance coughed. “Leave before he changes his mind.”

“Come, pet.” Lotor helped him stand and Lance hissed in pain.

“You will be seeing me again. However, I have the advantage now that I have a Paladin, right pet?” Lotor grabbed his jaw and forcefully kissed him. Lance tried his hardest to not kiss him back and wrenched his head back. He was hit with a dizzy spell and knew he was going to lose consciousness soon.

“Leave.” Lotor barked and his sentries stepped aside and the paladins took off.

Keith turned around one last time to see Lotor picking up Lance gently in his arms and kissing his forehead. He turned and kept running.

——

Lotor rushed him to his doctor and Lance was in and out of consciousness.

“He’s lost a lot of blood and I don’t think he can move his left arm.” Lotor informed the medic who rushed to grab a syringe and injected Lance with it.

“This will make sure he stays asleep.” The medic said and Lotor gently laid him down on the bed. The medic immediately began to inspect his arm.

“I’m afraid the damage is too extensive to heal. It will need to be amputated.” The doctor informed him and Lotor clenched his fists. “He also has a high fever.”

“I will call for Hagar.” Lotor informed. “Keep him stabilized until she gets here.”

“Yes sir.”

“Remove the armor. She can’t know he is a paladin.”

Lotor left and called for Hagar.

“My Prince.” The witch greeted respectfully but given her glare, she wasn’t happy.

“I have someone who lost an arm. He is stable for now but I need you to do what you can.” Lotor hated having to ask for her help.

“Understood. I will bring the other Druids with me.” Hagar replied and the call ended.

Lotor groaned in frustration and called for the sentries. “Who shot the blue Paladin?”

No one answered until one was shoved forward. “Did you shoot him?” Lotor asked, voice dripping with venom.

“Y-yes sir.” The man stuttered in fear.

Lotor pulled his sword from his sheath and cut the man in half. “Your orders were to avoid harming the blue Paladin. If I see him harmed again, there will be consequences.” He warned the others.

“Clean this up.” They scurried away as fast as they could.

Incompetent fools.

Lotor met up with his generals who had been waiting to hear from him.

“Where is he?” Ezor asked, bouncing on her toes as she looked around. She was excited to meet the newbie and from what Lotor told them, he needed some good friends.

“He was wounded badly and is being treated by the doctor. Hagar will need to restore his arm.” Lotor rubbed his temples in frustration. He had finally gotten Lance away and he had almost died because his sentries couldn’t follow simple orders. Lotor wouldn’t be surprised they had shot him by accident while trying to not aim for him.

“Is he okay?” Zethrid asked with wide eyes. She had been looking forward to a new spar buddy.

“He’s stable for now but Hagar will be here soon. I need to make sure she doesn’t try anything. Acxa, will you handle things until I return?”

“Of course sir.”

They all noticed how distraught he seemed and wondered about their new member to make him so concerned.

“I’ll keep you updated.” Lotor turned away to return to Lance while a few of his guards led Hagar to the infirmary.

“What can you do?” Lotor asked once Hagar looked over his condition.

“His arm is beyond saving.” Hagar told him. “But we can replace it with a prosthetic one.”

“You’re only here to replace his arm.” Lotor warned her with a sharp glare, his tone cold and untrusting. Hagar flinched back.

“Of course my Prince. We will need to take him.” Lotor nodded his agreement.

“If I find out you did something against my orders, I don’t have to tell you what your punishment will be.” Lotor and Hagar both knew it was death.

Chapter Text

He had dismissed the doctor and stepped outside to let the druids do their work. After a while, he heard Lance screaming and wanting to run in there and kill the witch but without her, Lotor wasn’t sure if he would live. His doctor was good at his job and treated many of his and his generals' wounds, but they weren’t life threatening like Lance’s.

He didn’t trust the witch but if she believed him to be another one of his generals, he doubted she would try anything given the severe consequences if she did.

It felt like it had taken hours for Lance to stop screaming and Lotor let his doubt and fear kick in. Did he die? Was he alright? Would he hate Lotor and blame him?

The door opened and he quickly composed himself. He didn’t need Hagar to see him in any vulnerable state.

“How is he?” Lotor said, his voice lacking any emotions.

“Stable but he was on the brink of death. We needed to use quintessence to keep him alive and connect his prosthetic to his nervous system. The prosthetic is made from titanium and will be stronger than his natural arm. It can be improved and modified however you wish. The quintessence may affect him but he will be fine under observation. Is he a new general of yours?” Hagar did not keep the distaste out of her voice.

Lotor narrowed his eyes. “Yes, he is one of my new recruits. Are you finished?”

“Yes, I have other business to attend to.” Hagar bowed, her druids following her and they departed his ship. He let out a breath of relief once she was gone and entered the room.

Lance remained unconscious and was drenched with sweat and his veins were glowing purple, but Lotor didn’t care as he picked the boy up into his arms and carried him to his quarters. Once in the privacy of his own room, he laid Lance down on the bed and carefully removed his suit and retrieved a bowl of warm water and a rag.

Lotor cleaned his body as best as he could without disturbing Lance and looked at his new arm.

The metal was melded into the flesh of his shoulder but the quintessence appeared to accelerate his healing. He hoped it wouldn’t have any negative effects. The metal was silver and had ridges along the arm to allow him to bend it and the ridges glowed a faint purple. No doubt it would take him some time to get used to but Lance was strong. The scars will be grotesque but in his book, scars were still beautiful and Lance would still be captivating with or without them.

Lance began to stir and groaned when he shifted. His entire body was aching. What had happened?
Opening his eyes, he saw Lotor beside him and smiled. “Hi.”

“Hi.” Lotor was nervous. He hoped Lance wouldn’t hate him for what happened. “How are you feeling?”

Lance tried to sit up but quickly gave up when his body protested. That’s when he realized his arm was missing and was replaced with a metal one. Immediately, he began to panic.

“What happened?” Lance whispered, looking at his arm in fascination.

“You were wounded by one of my sentries. Their orders were to avoid harming you but they are fools.” Lotor said angrily. “He was punished, but I’m sorry… The damage was too extensive to save your arm and you were extremely weak. I was forced to call Hagar and she is the one who gave you the prosthetic.” Lotor explained, anxious to see how Lance reacted.

“Oh…” Lance muttered and looked around. “Where are we?”

“My personal quarters. I wanted to look after you myself.”

Lance hummed thoughtfully. “I mean, it doesn’t look that bad.” Lance tried lifting the arm and struggled to do so but he eventually held it up and flexed his fingers.

“I feel strange…” Lance whispered.

“How so?” Lotor hoped it was nothing bad.

“I don’t know, it’s weird. I’m really weak right now but I don’t feel weak. I feel stronger somehow.” Lance continued to flex his fingers, trying to get used to his new limb. His shoulder was tender but it was manageable. Shouldn’t he be in more pain?

“You almost died Lance…” Lotor said carefully. “Hagar needed to give you quintessence to keep you alive. She said there might be effects and considering it is a pure substance, I wouldn’t be surprised if you were stronger because of it.”

“Will my veins be purple like this all the time?” Lance wondered, hoping he wasn’t about to have weird looking veins.

“I think as your body processes the quintessence, it will eventually fade.” Lotor offered and Lance hummed once again.

Looking around once more, he took in the details of Lotor’s room.

The walls were decorated with purple and gold flower designs, and the flooring was clear black marble like tile. The bed he was in was absolutely massive and maybe a little too big. The sheets were obviously silk and black while the comforter was a dark blue.

From his spot on the bed he could see into the bathroom which was also large and he drooled over the large bathtub. He intended to take all the bubble baths.

The rest of the room was rather plain but there was a desk and a bookcase that overflowed with books, an L-shaped leather couch pressed up in the corner with a glass coffee table.

“Kinda boring.” Lance muttered and when he saw Lotor’s confused face he laughed. “I mean, there really isn’t personality. You live here but you don’t live here. If you know what I mean.” Lance shrugged.

“I don’t exactly have the time to decorate.” Lotor said and Lance couldn’t help snorting.

“I like it. Hopefully, you will let me take bubble baths. If not, I might just cry.” Lance joked but Lotor seemed to panic at the idea of him crying. “I’m joking! I won’t actually cry… well, maybe a little…”

“Lance…” Lotor shook his head in amusement.

“Your bed is really comfy by the way.” Lance grinned. “Am I staying with you or will I have my own room?”

“Would you like to stay with me?” Lotor leered at him and Lance blushed.

“I- well- I wouldn’t mind…” He muttered quietly.

“Good, I won’t have you anywhere else except my bed.” Lotor stated with a self assured nod.

“Moving too fast?”

“I can go faster.”

Lance tried to look away but the heated look in Lotor’s eyes stopped him. “Can you kiss me?” He asked quietly and Lotor shifted forward, planting his hands on either side of Lance and leaned down to capture his lips.

Lance smiled into the kiss and tilted his head back, giving more access to Lotor.

Lotor forced himself to pull away and Lance frowned. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to hold back if we keep going. You need to heal first.”

That made sense. Not that he was happy about it.

“Are you hungry?” Lotor asked.

Lance shook his head. “Not really, but I’m tired. Do you have any clothes I can borrow?” Lance asked shyly and Lotor stood up and went to rummage in his closest. He came out with a silk shirt that was clearly oversized or rather, Lotor’s size, but considering their size difference, it would be huge on Lance.

“Do you want to take a bath?” Lotor watched Lance look into the bathroom with longing in his eyes.

“Is that okay?”

“Of course.” Lotor went to run the bath and added soap to make it bubble up as well as calming scents.

Lance had climbed out of bed, ignoring his lack of clothing, his body protesting, but he was determined to have a bubble bath. He entered the bathroom and just stared at the tub, thoughts consumed by memories.

“Lance? Are you alright?” Lotor noticed his dazed state and worried if something was wrong.

“No, I was just thinking about my mother.” Lance whispered and took his underwear off to sink into the warm water. He let out a long sigh and closed his eyes.

“Whenever I got sick, my mother would always get a bubble bath for me after I got through my fever. She always added too much and the bubbles would overflow and make a huge mess, but it’s one of my favorite memories.” Lance explained, feeling his chest tighten at the thought of his family.

“Tell me more?” Lotor sat on the edge of the tub and Lance smiled tiredly up at him.

“You want to know more?” Lotor nodded.

“Well, for one, her cooking was always the best and she always gave me and my sibling hugs whenever we left for school. Sometimes, she would come with me to the beach before sundown and watch the sunset. Just me and her. Listening to the ocean waves and seagulls calling. Then when it was dark we walked back home and were greeted by my siblings.”

“We would listen to music while she cooked and I danced with my siblings in the morning. Only laughter existed. Before bedtime I would sing them songs while playing the guitar. Although, those weren't everyday. My father would come home and ruin it all. Being fucking drunk all the time and trying to beat my mother and siblings.”

"I took all the beatings to protect everyone else. My mother knew what I was doing and she tried to stop me but what I told her was, "One day, father will realize what he is doing and come back to us. When he does he can dance with us in the mornings and give us hugs when we are down," then I said. "If that day never comes then you will have the strength to kick him out." I told her that because he was her first love and she couldn't bear to leave him and I did not want her to forget that.” Lance finished his story with tears running down his cheeks.

“If your mother is anything like you, then she had the strength.” Lotor confidently said and Lance gave him a grateful, warm smile.

“I got it from her.” Lance desperately missed his family. He hoped he would be able to see them again someday in the future. Tell them about his adventures with voltron and about his connection to the lions. Tell them about the different aliens he had met.

“Thank you,” Lance reached out, his hand still wet, and took Lotor’s hand in his own. “For taking me away and listening to me ramble.”

“Anytime Lance.” Lotor promised and found himself feeling warm and happy for the first time in centuries. He was looking forward to what Lance would bring in the future.

Chapter Text

Lotor was the first to wake up and found himself warm with Lance pressed against him, face buried in his neck and snoring softly. Lotor watched Lance sleep and noticed the way his mouth hung slightly and his chest rising and falling with each breath. He twitched occasionally and mumbled something under his breath.

Lance began to stir and slowly opened his eyes and when he realized where he was at and who he was with, he flushed. Instead of flailing back, he just smiled at Lotor. “Goodmorning,” he said, his voice laced with sleep.

“Good morning, how do you feel?” Lotor asked and Lance took a few deep breaths. “Hungry.”

Lotor chuckled, the sound deep and scratchy and Lance felt himself flush further. He liked that sound.

Lotor noticed his flushed cheeks and moved on top of Lance, his hands on either side of his head. “Is that all?” Lotor purred as he leered at Lance.

Lance stuttered, unable to form a reply and Lotor leaned closer, obviously teasing him. “I-it’s a little w-warm…” Lance blushed.

“Is it?” Lotor leaned down to his ear and whispered. “You are very warm. Your cheeks are burning.”

Lance shuddered and let out a small groan, his hands darting out to grab Lotor’s arm as if to steady himself. God, this man was going to kill him.

“Fuck,” he knew he was reacting to Lotor’s voice and mere presence, but damn. At this rate, he might just come undone from his voice alone.

Was it supposed to be this easy to fall in love? Because Lance was falling hard.

“If you don’t kiss me, I might burst, and that won’t be fun to clean up.” Lance looked at him and tried to keep his voice steady but failed miserably.

“Ah yes, we wouldn’t want that to happen would we?” Lotor finally, finally, leaned down and kissed him. Lance wrapped his arms around his neck to stop Lotor from pulling away again and opened his mouth, letting Lotor ravage him with his tongue.

Lance moaned, leaning further into Lotor to try and get as close as he could. Lance fought back Lotor with his own tongue and shuddered when his large hands gripped his hips. Lotor slipped his fingers beneath Lance’s shirt and explored the smooth skin of his chest and abdomen. Lance eagerly leaned into his touch and pulled away for a breath, but Lotor wasn’t done, oh no, he was a greedy man.

Kissing and licking at his neck, Lotor lightly touched his nipples and teasing them with the pads of his fingers. Lance let out a surprised squeak but was quickly replaced with a moan and he closed his eyes as Lotor continued to tease him.

“Lotor…” Lance whimpered, his fingers tugging at Lotor’s hair. The man groaned and sucked harshly at his throat, determined to mark him. He was faintly aware that the purple had faded from his veins but he didn’t care at the moment.

Lance arched up into him suddenly, letting out shuddering breaths and soft cries as he came from Lotor only teasing his nipples. Lotor captured his lips once more, swallowing his moans as the boy calmed down from his high.

Lotor pulled away with a smirk. “So sensitive.”

Lance pouted. “I- I haven’t felt anything like that before!” He defended with red cheeks.

Lotor pulled away, letting Lance sit up and catch his breath. That’s when Lance noticed Lotor’s own situation. “D-do you want me to…?” Lance didn’t finish, the words catching in his throat.

“I’m alright. I’ll just need to take a cold shower.” Lotor winked at him and got up from the bed, not giving Lance a chance to insist on helping him.

“Breakfast will be here in ten minutes.” Lotor called as he entered the bathroom and started the shower. He stripped down and Lance watched him, eyes trained on Lotor’s ass.

God. What did he do to deserve his eyes at the moment?

Lotor stepped under the cold spray and shivered but he willed his erection down before turning on the heat.

Lance decided to raid Lotor’s closet in the meantime to distract his thoughts from Lotor’s very fine ass. He grabbed a long sleeve sweater and a pair of sweatpants that he would be able to tie at his waist to keep them from falling off. Last thing he needed was to embarrass himself by mooning everyone. Although, he doubted Lotor would mind.

Lance waited for Lotor to finish in the shower and quickly hopped in after him, trying his best not to stare at his extremely toned body. He quickly washed up and got dressed before joining Lotor who was sitting on the couch with food laid out on the coffee table.

“Where did you get those scars?” Lance asked, having seen them when he was totally not checking Lotor out.

“A lot of them are from my father but the others are from battles.” Lotor explained nonchalantly.

Lance frowned. “When you introduced yourself to the others, you said you were Prince Lotor.”

“Zarkon is my father.”

“Well, he’s a dick and you’re not. In my book, that means you’re good.”

Lotor snorted. “Come eat.”

Lance reached for the assorted foods and noticed strange fruits he’s never seen and cooked meats he wasn’t familiar with. Although, he did like trying new things. He liked most of the food and soon found himself full.

“Was the food to your liking?” Lotor asked and Lance nodded, giving him a grateful smile.

“Yeah, it was great and I was starving.” Lance took a sip of his water and leaned back on the couch as Lotor munched away on some fruit.

“How are you feeling?” Lotor asked.

Lance realized that he wasn’t in as much pain anymore. He was still sore and his shoulder remained tender, but other than that, he felt good.

“I’m a little sore but I feel good. I had forgotten about my arm until now. Didn’t even realize I was using it.” Lance flexed his fingers. He felt strong and energized.

“Good. I will be introducing you to my other generals.” Lotor stated and wiped his mouth with a napkin before retreating into the bathroom to brush his teeth.

“Do you have a spare toothbrush by any chance?” Lance had followed him.

Lotor reached into the cabinets below the sink and pulled out another toothbrush that was still in the package.

“For company?” Lance tried to sound casual and Lotor noticed his change in tone
.
“No, I’m just paranoid and overprepared.” Lotor said honestly and Lance laughed, shaking his head.

They both brushed their teeth and Lotor gave him a pair of slippers. “We will get you proper clothes soon.” Lotor promised but Lance didn’t mind wearing Lotor’s clothes and he doubted Lotor minded either.

“Sounds good.” Lance agreed. “But will I still be able to wear your clothes?”

Lotor chuckled. “Of course.”

“Mi casa es su casa.” Lance said and at Lotor’s questioning glance, he translated. “It means: Your house is my house.”

“In that case, mi casa es su casa.” He butchered the pronunciation but Lance didn’t have the heart to laugh or tease him and instead smiled brightly.

They eventually made it to the control room where there were four women standing there and talking, clearly they had been waiting for Lotor.

They stopped talking and turned to the pair and one of the girls immediately smiled and rushed over. “You must be Lance! I’m Ezor!” She gave him a hug and Lance was stunned. He wasn’t expecting that.

“Hi, I like your colors,” Lance immediately complimented and the girl smiled her thanks.

“The big one is Zethrid, the stern one is Acxa, and the lizard is Narti.” Ezor introduced and clearly they didn’t choose those nicknames.

“Ezor…” Zethrid warned but Ezor remained unbothered.

“Nice to meet you all.” Lance greeted with a smile.

“Likewise.” Acxa replied and gave him a stern nod. The nickname suited her.

“Nice arm.” Zethrid barked and Lance waved at her with it.

“I am Narti.” Lance jumped, startled, when he heard a voice in his head. The other three women chuckled, including Lotor. “This is how I communicate. I see through Kova.”

Feeling something rub against his leg, he looked down and saw a strange looking cat. “Cool.”

Ezor linked their arms together and they began chatting. Nothing in particular, just sharing things about themselves and getting to know each other. Zethrid quickly joined them while the other two just listened and watched.

From there on, Lance was already becoming good friends with these girls and they helped him control the strength in his left arm and taught him a few new things. He was back to his sharpshooter self in no time and Acxa had even warmed up to him.

They would often hang out together and Lance forced them all to sit in a circle and just chat. Eventually, it led to a more comfortable hang out as Lance laid on Lotor’s lap while the girls laid on each other. It was basically a cuddle pile in the “cuddle room” as Lance called it.

Lance was extremely happy when Lotor agreed to let him braid his hair and he remembered that he was sensitive and found out that it was a slight turn on for the man, including himself.

Lotor noticed his generals opened up much more with Lance than they did with him and eventually they all opened up and grew closer together. Lance managed to form bonds with everyone and called them a “misfit family” and no one had any complaints. Their bond will last forever and it only took a few weeks.

Chapter Text

“We need to get Lance back!” Hunk yelled, surprising everyone considering he never raised his voice. But dammit, he was frustrated. They weren’t even interested in getting Lance back. They needed to understand that he was their teammate too.

Hunk felt extremely guilty for how he and the rest treated him and he never once stood up for his best friend. Would Lance even consider him his best friend anymore? Hunk wanted to tell Lance how sorry he was and knock some sense into these people.

Hunk didn’t blame Lance for giving himself to Lotor.

“They won’t miss me.”

Hunk wanted to scream from the top of his lungs in hope that Lance could somehow hear him. He wanted to get down on his knees and beg Lance for his forgiveness even though he didn’t deserve it.

“We don’t know what they’re doing to Hunk, or even if he is alive.” Allura said softly, her voice laced with guilt. She too realized her mistakes as well the others. Keith remained the same as always.

“He’s Prince Lotor’s prisoner. Zarkon’s son. It won’t be easy to get him back.” Keith reminded them.

“We have to try and keep trying! It doesn’t matter how many times we fail, he is a part of our team.” Hunk knew there was no way to convince Keith.

“Until we know Lotor’s motives, we can’t make any moves against him. We have no idea who he has following him. We would be running in blind and one mistake will lead us to all being his prisoners.” Keith reasoned and Hunk knew that, but Lance needed them.

“We are also down a lion. We are at a disadvantage without Voltron. We need to keep looking for Shiro and try to recruit another paladin to pilot red.” Eventually, everyone reluctantly agreed.

—-

“Sir, we have activity from Voltron on planet Puig.” Acxa reported while pulling all information on Puig they had on the large screen.

Lance stood beside Lotor and looked at the screen with a frown on his face. It did hurt that they hadn’t even tried to look but at the same time, he didn’t want to be found.

“Let them liberate Puig and celebrate their victory. We will visit Puig and show we are more trustworthy and make an alliance.” Lotor held his chin in thought. “Take the rest of the day off. We will get to work tomorrow.”

Zethrid went to go train with Ezor joining her while Narti and Acxa went off to do who knows what while Lance and Lotor returned to their room.

They were in bed and Lance was lying comfortably in Lotor’s arms. They just talked for hours on end. About their lives and experience even if Lance didn’t have much compared to Lotor’s.

Lotor told him about a refuge planet where hybrids, like himself, were able to thrive without Zarkon or anyone else discriminating against them. How he had met his generals and took them under his wing and personally trained them. They had once been prisoners of Zarkon and forced to fight in the arenas. Lotor saw potential and saved them.

Lotor felt comfortable enough to show his altean side by shifting his skin to a beautiful golden brown and Lance enjoyed kissing the purple marks on his cheeks.

This connected them further. Both having parents that they couldn’t choose and defying expectations put upon them.

“I love you,” Lance whispered, unable to deny his feelings anymore.

Lotor’s eyes widened. “You love me? Why?”

Lance sat up with a frown on his face and he moved to straddle Lotor. “Because, like me, we didn’t choose our parents nor did we become them. And considering who your father is, I am proud you found the strength to leave and not follow in his footsteps. That takes courage and you have a lot of it. Not to mention you’re hot as fuck and have hair to die for.” Lance grinned.

Lotor chuckled and shook his head, amused by Lance’s description of him. “I haven’t felt love in a long time…” Lotor whispered and Lance leaned down to kiss him.

“Your generals love and worship you, as do I.” Lance smiled brightly.

“In that case, I love you too.”

Lance kissed him again, “it’s only fair if you tell me why you love me too.”

“You’re incredibly strong. Protecting your friends and family while also still seeing the good in people. You have a tendency to change those around you, like myself and the girls. And you saved me. The path I was going down would have destroyed me but spending that time on the Castle of Lions reminded me of my true goal. Your hope and optimism is wearing off on me Lance, making me go soft.” Lotor teased and Lance sniffled and wiped at his eyes.

“No fair, I didn’t want to cry today.” Lotor grinned and cupped Lance’s face in his large hands and kissed him.

Lance moaned and opened his mouth, giving access to Lotor and was pushed against the bed, Lotor on top of him. “Shall we continue where we left off?” Lotor leered at him and pushed Lance’s shirt up, running his warm hands over his lean form.

Lance closed his eyes and let out soft sighs as Lotor brought his mouth down to his chest, kissing and sucking gently. Lance slid his hair into Lotor’s and gently carded his fingers through his soft locks.

Lotor kissed down his body and slipped his pants over his hips and pulled them off, tossing them across the room. Lance flushed and looked away embarrassed but Lotor captured his lips.

“Just relax.” Lotor murmured and reached into his nightstand to pull out a bottle of lube. “Tell me if you’re uncomfortable or in pain.”

“I trust you,” Lance smiled, his smile dazed.

Lotor pushed his legs apart and coated his fingers in the lube before slowly pushing a finger in. He needed to take his time to prepare Lance given his small form.

It felt strange to say the least. It didn’t hurt as Lotor gave him time to get used to the feeling until he added another finger. His gut curled in anticipation as Lotor stretched him.

“Ah!” Lance let out a surprised shout when Lotor’s finger brushed against a spot that made his toes curl. Lotor continued to trade him by brushing that spot while he added a third finger.

Lance didn’t expect for this to feel so good. He knew he wanted Lotor inside of him but this really made him excited. He couldn’t wait for Lotor to finally be in him as he moaned and whimpered.

“Hurry,” Lance whispered desperately. Lotor’s fingers were no longer enough.

“So needy,” Lotor teased with a smirk and pulled his fingers out to coat his cock with lube, slowly stroking himself from the sight of Lance.

Lance’s face was flushed and his eyes were hooded and dazed. His legs remained open and his lips were parted as he let out quick breaths.

“Relax.” Lotor reminded him before slowly pushing in.

Whenever Lance tensed, Lotor would stop until he relaxed again before pushing once more.

“How big are you?” Lance let out an exasperated laugh and Lotor grinned.

“You’re taking me well, I’m almost all the way in.” Lotor was struggling to hold back but he didn’t want to hurt Lance.

Lance’s eyes fluttered shut and focused on relaxing. It was a strange feeling to be filled to the brink but he found himself enjoying it. It was almost comforting to him, especially knowing that it’s Lotor who is filling him.

“Feels good,” Lance murmured and rubbed his stomach, pausing when he felt a slight bulge. He let out a breathy laugh and pushed against the bulge softly and sighed pleasantly.

Lotor was finally in and Lance felt so good. He was surrounded by heat as Lance squeezed down on him. He let out a low groan.

“Can I move?” Lotor wanted to make sure and Lance nodded.

Lotor began to move slowly, pulling out and pushing back in. His control was shattering to a million pieces every time he pushed back in and Lance let out a little moan.

Once Lotor knew Lance was okay and used to him, he pulled back and thrusted into him sharply. Lance’s mouth fell open as cries and moans spilled out.

“Fuck!” Lance cursed and unconsciously tried to move his hips up.

Lotor quickened his pace and let out a shuddered groan as Lance tightened around him. “You’re going to be the death of me.” Lotor ground out.

“I will die if you don’t go faster,” Lance said through pants.

couldn’t help but chuckle but he thrusted faster, much to their enjoyment.

“I’m close,” Lance whined. His brain felt mushy as he spoke incoherently and Lotor angled his hips to hit Lance’s sweet spot. Lance came with a cry and Lotor soon followed, his hips stuttering. Lance somehow managed to get tighter and that was his breaking point. Considering, he hasn’t done this in a very long time.

“Fuck,” Lance whispered, his eyes squeezed shut. “Galra cum is endless, holy fuck.”

Lotor snorted and realized his nose was bleeding. Lance’s eyes flew open when he felt warm drops fall on his chest.

“Lotor… did you get a nose bleed?” Lance broke out in laughter and Lotor held his nose as he blushed furiously. “D-don’t laugh,” Lotor tried to keep his composure but Lance’s laughter was contagious.

His words only made Lance laugh harder.

Lotor slowly pulled out and Lance’s laughter was cut off by a whine. “Bath?”

Lance nodded. “I don’t think I can walk.”

Lotor chuckled and went to run the bath and return to carry Lance into the bathroom.

“I love you,” Lance nuzzled Lotor’s cheek and the prince was filled with a strange warmth that was almost overwhelming. But now that he was consumed with this warmth, he didn’t want to lose it.

Chapter Text

Prince Lotor’s generals stood in the open hangar door as the ship flew over the planet Puig, passing farmlands, villages, and cities. It was a desert with nothing but sand and heat. The planet seemed rather poor save for a few houses that looked to be in better condition than the others. No doubt the constant harassment from Zarkon’s forces prevented them from prospering. They intended to change that.

Lance and Acxa jumped from the ship, using boosters to guild them where they needed to be. The other girls landed with ease while Lance positioned himself on a tall stone building, removing his sniper rifle from his back and setting it up.

“Ezor, find their leader. Zethrid and Narti, take prisoners. Lance, stay above and cover us. Only stun them, no killing.” Acxa gave their orders and they immediately split off to do their tasks.

Blasts shot at Acxa but her reflexes were too quick for any of the bullets to hit and she flipped in the air, dodging the blasts. Lance aimed and let out a breath before firing, making sure to only stun anyone who attacked them. The stun would hurt like a bitch but it quickly incapacitated their target. They weren’t looking to kill anyone.

“Damn, you are badass Acxa,” Lance said into the mic with a grin. He hasn’t felt this thrilled over a mission in a long time. The adrenaline was allowing him to think clearly and make comments, which is what he does best.

“What about me?” Zethrid grunted into the comms as she fought a large elephant-like creature that was much bigger than her but she grabbed its horns and yanked, knocking it to the ground. Lance shot it with a strong stunner and it slumped down.

“Hey!” Zethrid pouted and Lance grinned. “I know you didn’t need help, girlie, but you can’t take all the glory!”

Zethrid’s loud booming laughter echoed loudly in his ears but he didn’t want it any other way.

Narti and Kova worked together, walking on silent feet as they quickly stunned people and tied them up as prisoners.

“I found their leader.” Ezor informed them and Lotor quickly replied. “Regroup with Ezor. Keep the leader subdued.”

“Yes sir!” Ezor said cheerfully while the others replied in a less cheerful tone. Not that they weren’t cheerful but they weren’t as enthusiastic as Ezor. No one was.

Lance swung his gun onto his back and jumped from one roof to the other, using his boosters to land right next to the other girls. Zethrid elbowed Lance with a grin and he returned the grin.

Lotor landed the ship where they were keeping the leader and stepped out to meet his generals and entered the hut where the leader was being kept. They walked in and saw soldiers lying on the ground unconscious as Ezor chatted the leader's ear out.

“Hey, what is that? Some sort of communicator?” Ezor noticed he was fidgeting nervously and snatched the device from his hand. “You weren’t trying to call for help were you?” Ezor teased with laughter in his tone but then turned serious. “Prince Lotor would not like that.”

The leader tried reaching for the device but Ezor stepped to the side and he fell to the floor. He shouted in annoyance and lunged for her again but she grabbed him by his horns and tossed him towards Lotor. The man coughed as he inhaled sand and looked up to see quite the intimidating sight.

Lance and Acxa both pointed their pistols at him and that was warning enough for him to settle on his knees with a defeated expression.

“W-who are you?” He asked, looking up at Prince Lotor.

“You dare speak to Prince Lotor?” Acxa sneered and Lotor raised a hand. “Now, Now, Acxa, that’s no way to treat our new ally. Let him continue.”

“We will not be enslaved again!” The man was clearly doubting his own words but he meant them. “We are free.”

“According to whom? Your savior? Voltron?” Lotor sneered. “And where is your precious savior now? Gone. Leaving you with nothing but a hollow promise of freedom and now you must answer for your betrayal.” Lotor spoke honestly, his eyes showed no mercy.

The leader gasped, desperate. “Please! Spare my people! Show us mercy!” He pleaded.

“Mercy has never been the way of the galra,” Lotor let his words sink in, watching as the man lost all hope. “Until now.”

The desert dweller looked up with wide eyes and Lotor softened his expression into a more genuine one as he knelt down before the leader. “How would you like to become a valuable part of the New Empire? Join us and you will never need Voltron again. We don’t give empty promises.”

Lance had to admit that Lotor was very convincing. If Lance was in the leader's shoes he would’ve agreed. Voltron proved themselves unreliable. If they weren’t able to protect them from a small raid such as this, what could they protect?

“Smile! We’re a team now~” Ezor placed her hands on his cheeks and forced him to smile.

“You will not be enslaved. Govern yourselves but if you make a mistake, it will be a great toll on your people. I will send reinforcements and aid to assist you to rebuild your community.” Lotor stood up and held out a hand, allowing the man to make a choice. Join Lotor or die. It was simple.

“Let us take our leave. No one was killed, they will wake in a few minutes.” They walked out, leaving the leader feeling a new sense of hope.

Whoever this Prince was, he just saved his people and will actually provide resources for them to rebuild. He had hope for his people to be able to thrive again.

“A day of victory, My Prince, what should we do to celebrate?” Lance leered suggestively at Lotor as they stepped onto the ship.

“Get a room!” Ezor shouted playfully, winking at Lance as they passed them.

“We will celebrate soon,” Lotor wrapped his arm around Lance’s waist and pulled him against his chest. Lotor leaned down and captured Lance in a rather heated kiss before pulling away and joining the girls in the control room.

It was a good day. Lance felt excited from their mission and being able to work with a team properly and have friendly banter. It allowed them to get to know each other further. They had trust in each other to protect one another's backs. He didn’t have that with Voltron.

They discussed their recent mission while they waited for Voltron to make an appearance. They talked about the Blade of Marmoras absence. Clearly they were weakened and trying to lick their wounds to recover.

“And of their rebellion?” Lotor asked.

“Crushed.” Zethrid replied with a bloodthirsty grin.

“As for the whereabouts of Voltron, we’ve had sightings of the yellow and blue lion in the Plaglium quadrant.” Acxa informed.

“No sightings of the red lion?” Lotor asked.

“No sir.”

“It appears they haven’t acquired another pilot.” Lotor glanced at Lance.

“I piloted red when Keith took up the black lion. Allura pilots blue.” Lance explained. His wound still hasn’t healed but at least he wasn’t crippled by the loss anymore. He missed Hunk and Pidge but he wouldn’t go back. He belonged with Lotor and he would stay.

“You piloted blue?” Ezor wondered. “Why did you have to swap?”

“Blue and I weren’t compatible anymore. But sometimes I can still feel her and red.” Lance tried to hide how much he missed his connection with the lions but they saw right through him.

—-

The paladins sat in the living room discussing how they should get a new paladin and who they should seek out. A hologram suddenly popped up and planet Puig’s leader popped up.

“Voltron, we need your help. The galra have returned. Once you left we were defenseless. My people are trying to hold out but they are too powerful.” He pleaded.

“Hold your ground and protect your people until we arrive. Voltron stands with you.” Allura spoke confidently.

“Thank you, Princess.” The feed ended.

The paladins rushed to their lions and flew to planet Puig as fast as they could.

However, when they were about to enter the atmosphere, a ship showed up out of nowhere.

“Attention Paladins of Voltron. This is Prince Lotor, son of Zarkon, Emperor Pro Tem of the Galra Empire. Surrender now, or you will be annihilated.” The voice was broadcasted to them.

“We’ve been set up!” Pidge shouted as fighters surrounded them.

“No sign of the red lion.” Lotor smirked and Lance started pacing as the fighters were taking on each lion. While the lions gave them an advantage, it would be useless considering they didn’t think as a team. They were off fighting their own battles.

“Lance, did you bond with the red lion enough for it to come to you?” Lotor asked.

Lance shook his head. “The only time that’s happened was when Keith was in danger.”

“Let’s turn up the heat. Zethrid, use the ion cannon and shoot at the black lion.” Lotor ordered. “Just graze it.”

Zethrid pouted but did as she was told, shooting the black lions back.

The ship suddenly shook as they were hit. “What was that?”

“Castle of Lions.” Lotor sneered as the ship took down some of their fighters.

“Zethrid, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Fire on the altean ship with everything we have.”

“Yes sir!” Zethrid boomed excitedly and fired at the altean ship while the lions seemed to get the upperhand of the fighters.
“We have seen enough, retreat.” Lotor ordered and Acxa prepared the ship for hyper drive.

“We did it!” The paladins cheered but Keith quickly diminished their victory.

“He was toying with us.” Keith snapped. “We need Shiro back and the red lion. Nothing else matters because we are vulnerable.

“What about Lance?” Hunk reminded and Keith sighed. “Once we have Shiro back, we will get Lance back.”

They returned to the Castle of Lions.

—-

“That was embarrassing.” Lance muttered and his teammates looked at him in confusion. “Well, I mean, I was a paladin and from what just happened…” Lance shook his head.

“You were a paladin but now you’re on the winning side where you belong.” Lotor took his hand and squeezed it. Lance smiled at him gratefully from Lotor’s reassurance.

“How about we celebrate that victory now?” Lotor smirked when Lance nodded eagerly.

“Have fun~” Ezor winked and walked away, her laughter echoing down the halls as Lance flushed.

They walked to their room hand in hand and once they were in the privacy of their own room, Lotor pushed Lance against the door and kissed him as if he was a starved man. Lance moaned, wrapping his arms around Lotor’s neck while he hopped up, his legs wrapping around his waist.

“This armor is making it hard to kiss you,” Lance murmured against Lotor’s lips and with a smirk, Lotor carried Lance to the bed and dropped him. Lance shouted indignantly but Lotor began to undress him.

“I can undress myself, you know.” Lance smiled fondly.

“I know, but it’s much better when I do it.” Lotor purred, leaning down to bite and suck on Lance’s ear.

Once Lance was naked and exposed, Lotor followed by removing his own armor. “How about we take this to the bath?” Lotor suggested and Lance grinned, watching as Lotor walked to the bathroom, his eyes firmly planted on Lotor’s ass.

The tub began to fill with hot water and Lotor returned to carry him to the bath. They settled in the hot water and Lance remained on his lap as they kissed slowly and sensually.
“Te amo,” Lance said in his native tongue when he pulled away breathlessly.

“What language is that?” Lotor wondered.

“It’s my native language, spanish.” Lance smiled.

“What does it mean?”

“I love you.” Lance played with the ends of Lotor’s hair.

“Te amo?” Lotor tried pronouncing it like Lance did and he nailed it for the most part. Lance beamed happily at Lotor and kissed him again.

Chapter Text

A strange alarm went off in the Castle of Lions. “What’s going on?”

“Yeah, these have never gone off before.”

“Allura? Are you alright? It looks like you have seen a ghost.” Hunk noticed how pale she was and became worried.

“That’s just the thing. It’s an old altean distress code. One used by King Alfor’s ships.” Coran explained, looking rather pale himself.

“Could it be that we are not the last Alteans left?” Allura whispered, hope filling his eyes.

“What if someone is cloning the signal to lure us? Someone like Prince Lotor?” Keith tried to make some sense of the situation.

“The signal is from an Altean ship and we are going to find it.” Allura’s tone made it clear that she wouldn’t hear any of their protests. Without much of a choice, they prepared the ship to wormhole to the location of the distress call.

—-

“Amazing. Your theory about Voltron was finally proved correct.” Acxa said in awe.

“I was personally hoping to see some fireworks when it hit that energy swirl. I guess all the previous attempts to get out were just more enjoyable to watch. For me, not for your pilots.” Zethrid crossed her arms and Lance snorted.

“Voltron made it through because it is made of the same material of the comet King Alfor tried to hide from my father. No, let’s see if the paladins bring it out for us.” Lotor linked his fingers on his lap.

“But what if Voltron is unable to escape the other dimension?” Ezor asked.

“It’s another reality, Ezor.” Acxa corrected and Ezor rolled her eyes.

“What if they aren’t able to escape the other reality?” Ezor glared at Acxa.

“If Voltron disappears from our world, then we win. If they make it out with the comet, we’ll take it from them. Either way, it's a win-win.” Lotor smirked and tapped his foot anxiously.

Lance pursed his lips and frowned but remained silent.

—-

“It’s Voltron.” Pidge said excitedly while she finished gathering information from a fragment of the comet she got from the altean scientist in the other reality.

“What?” Hunk was confused.

“I mean, It’s not Voltron, Obviously, but the readings from the comet are the same ones Zarkon was searching for. The same ones that led us to the blue lion.” Pidge finished explaining.

“That’s how you were able to pass through to our reality. Your vehicle was made from the same trans-reality material.” The scientist began contacting General Hira.

“General Hira, I have found something that could continue our reign for a millena to come.” He spoke excitedly but Pidge began to feel uneasy.

—-

Coran, the mice, Lance, Lotor, Ezor, Narti, Zethrid, and Acxa watched as the ship that was stuck in the other reality and theirs disappeared.

Lance let out a cry of surprise and the others in the room turned to see his eyes wide with fear.

“Lance? What is it?” He stood from his chair and rushed to Lance’s side.

“Hunk,” Lance whispered, his voice cracking. “H-he is my best friend and like a brother to me. I can’t lose him.” Lance looked at Lotor desperately but the hybrid felt helpless. He didn’t know what he could do to bring back Lance’s friend.

“Let’s wait and see what happens. They might come back.” Lotor pulled Lance into his arms and whispered reassuring words in his ear. Eventually, Lance calmed down with the other girls showing their support.

Lotor pulled Lance onto his lap while they waited.

For what felt like hours, Voltron finally came back and relief washed over Lance as he finally let himself breathe. Lance was relieved to know Hunk was okay and hopped off Lotor’s lap, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Fire at the castle and we take the comet.” Lotor ordered and they got to work.

Acxa and Ezor split off into a cruiser and took the comet without much effort considering the paladins didn’t even try to stop them. They returned to the ship with the comet now in their grasp.

Coran had tried getting their attention but they weren’t responding, even as Lotor left with the comet. “Lotor has the comet now.” Coran informed them when they were back online.

“He’s always one step ahead of us!” Keith shouted in annoyance.

“Something as powerful as that comet, as powerful as Voltron, in Lotor's hands will make the galra just as powerful. If not unstoppable.” Allura was frustrated and everyone let that settle in.

—-

“Now that we have the comet, what are your plans with it?” Lance wondered.

“I was thinking of a fighter. The fight against voltron would be a fair one if it was made of the same materials as Voltron.” Lotor explained and they agreed to the idea.

“Get some rest, we have a long day tomorrow.” Lotor told his generals but paused when an alert popped up on the screen.

“Destroy any trackers on the ship and scan around us.” Lotor watched as Acxa typed.

“Sir, there is nothing.” Acxa reported and ran the scans again. Once again, no results showed up and Acxa frowned.

“Get some rest but keep an eye out.” Lotor told them and took Lance’s hand and led them from the room towards their own.

Once they got in the room, Lance let out a long sigh and changed into silky pajamas and climbed in bed. Lotor joined him moments later with no shirt. Lance moved to sit on Lotor’s lap and ran his fingers over the scars littered across his toned chest.

Lance leaned down and kissed each one.

Lotor hummed and Lance leaned down to capture his lips, a small smile playing on his lips.

“This is nice.” Lance laid against his chest. “Just you and me.”

“Would you want it to last forever?” Lotor whispered.

“Yes. Only us forever.” Lance smiled but frowned when Lotor had him sit up.

“Bond with me.” Lotor held his hips and Lance’s eyes widened.

“What?” Lance croaked.

“Bond with me.” Lotor repeated.

“Bond?” Lance wondered if he understood what Lotor was saying.

“A ceremony that bonds us.” Lotor explained. “A ritual where we drink each other's blood and connect our souls. It is a very sacred ceremony.”

“Where I come from, we call that marriage.” Lance laughed, still shocked.

“How would I ask you in human terms then?” Lotor tilted his head.

“Well, normally you would get down on one knee and show a diamond ring and ask me if I want to marry you.” Lance explained and Lotor’s eyebrows furrowed.

“Why would I give you a ring?” Lotor wondered.

“To show everyone that we belong to each other.” Lance explained.

“I suppose I can get you a ring.” Lotor hummed thoughtfully.

“Well, we would both wear rings, but I don’t need one.” Lance kissed Lotor.

“We can merge our traditions.” Lotor muttered. “I do have a ring from my mother.”

“Your mother?” Lance asked softly.

“She died giving birth to me but I had taken it from my father. He beat me for weeks but I never gave it back. I wanted something of hers.” Lotor explained and Lance took his face into his hands.

“I would be honored to wear any ring you give me.” Lance whispered softly. “And yes, I will bond with you.”

Lotor smiled and flipped them so Lance was under him. Lance giggled as Lotor showered him with kisses. “I love you,” Lotor said between kisses and Lance’s abdomen hurt after laughing so much.

Chapter Text

Lance stirred awake and slowly opened his eyes and looked over to see Lotor still sleeping, a peaceful expression on his face. He was laying on his stomach with his arms under his pillow and he snored softly. He loved the rare moments when he woke up before Lotor and indulged himself and watched him sleep.

Lance remembered last night and smiled warmly. They were going to get bonded. Their relationship has progressed fast but it felt right. Lance had no doubts about what he wanted.

“It’s rude to stare.” Lotor murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

Lance pouted. “I wasn’t staring.”

Lotor just deadpanned. “I could feel your eyes on me.”

Lance rolled his eyes and made Lotor roll onto his back and straddled his hips. “I like watching you sleep. I know you watch me and it's rare for me to wake up before you.”

Lotor pulled Lance down for a kiss, his hands running down Lance’s sides and slipping beneath his shirt. Lance shivered and opened his mouth, letting Lotor ravish him with that sinful tongue. It felt good to give up all control and hand it over to Lotor and let the man completely take over his body and soul.

“I want you,” Lance whispered, his hands running through Lotor’s soft hair.

“We don’t have much time.” Lotor muttered against his neck.

“I don’t care, I want to feel you inside,” Lance tugged slightly on his hair, smirking when Lotor groaned and nipped his neck.

“Will you be able to walk?” Lotor teased.

“I heal quickly, remember?” Lance smiled.

“We will be late.” Lotor reminded him.

Lance groaned and rolled his eyes. “Acxa will handle it. How much more convincing do you need?”

“None. You had me at ‘I want you.’ I just wanted to hear you beg.” Lotor grinned and Lance huffed dramatically.

“If you want me to beg, all you have to do is ask, but right now, I’m too impatient to beg.” Lance wrapped his legs around Lotor’s waist and reached a hand down to rub Lotor’s erection.

“You’re a bad influence.” Lotor groaned as Lance squeezed him.

“Shouldn’t I be saying that to you?” Lance palmed him impatiently.

“You asked for it,” Lotor grinned and reached for the nightstand to pull out the lube. He quickly prepared Lance, not wanting to waste any time. Lance was whimpering and pleading with Lotor. It didn’t matter if he had only used two fingers to stretch him. The pain would be worth it.

Lance let out a happy sigh as Lotor pushed into him. It burned but he didn’t care.

Both of them were too eager to take their time and quickly finished, leaving them breathless and satisfied. Lance didn’t want it to end. He wanted Lotor to stay inside of him.

“Lance?” Lotor spoke softly as he brushed Lance’s fringe from his face.

“Don’t pull out. Not yet.” Lance whispered and wrapped his arms around his neck to pull Lotor closer.

“Do you want to… keep it inside?” Lotor asked, slightly confused and Lance snorted.

“What?” Lotor asked.

“That was cute.” Lance smiled at him. “But… I do. I want to feel you inside of me all day.” Lance admitted with flushed cheeks and Lotor pursed his lips in thought.

“Do you think the space mall has buttplugs?” Lance laughed when Lotor looked at him with wide eyes.

“A what?”

“A buttplug. It’s normally used to keep someone stretched. Won’t need to waste time with preparing.” Lance explained.

“Are you wanting to breed?” Lotor tilted his head curiously and Lance sputtered.

“Breed?!” Lance shouted in shock.

“Galra uses those devices to help with breeding. Males specifically because it is more rare and difficult.” Lotor explained, confused by Lance’s confusion.

“On Earth, males can’t get pregnant.” Lance remained flushed and embarrassed. Lotor thought he had wanted to get pregnant. Not that he is against the idea but his anatomy wasn’t capable. If he could, he totally would. He always wanted a big family at some point in his life.

“Oh.” Lotor seemed surprised. “Most male species are able to become pregnant.”

“I didn’t know that. Sorry if I made it seem like I wanted us to… breed.” Lance smiled awkwardly.

“We can search for one or even get one made if you want.” Lotor suggested and Lance looked away embarrassed.

“Is something wrong?” Lotor asked.

“Well… I don’t need one since we aren’t breeding.” Lance stuttered at the word ‘breeding.’

“But you want to use it?” Lotor didn’t seem to understand Lance’s embarrassment.

“It’s not a big deal…” Lance felt Lotor’s fingers grab his chin and slowly turned his head to look at him.

“We don’t need to use it for breeding. I for one would enjoy the thought of my seed being inside of you all day.” Lotor smirked when Lance flushed a bright red.

“T-that was the idea.” Lance murmured.

“Good. We will get one then.” Lotor decided with a self assured nod.

“Shower?” Lance was a little disappointed he couldn’t use one now but knowing he could in the future was enough for him to wait.

Lotor smirked and suddenly picked Lance up, causing him to go even deeper and Lance gasped, his mouth falling open.

“Can't have you be disappointed can I?” Lotor said as he walked to the bathroom.
Lance smiled in anticipation.

—

“Nice of you to join us.” Ezor chirped when they entered the room, a smirk playing on her lips as she winked at Lance who looked ravished.

Lance and Lotor might have gotten distracted while they were getting dressed.

Lance was finally wearing Lotor’s colors and matched the girls. The armor was comfortable and he was able to move around without any hindrance.

Lotor smirked and pulled Lance to his side while the former paladin flushed.

“Awwww, little Lance is shy!~” Ezor cooed, making Lance flush even more.

“I can assure you, Ezor, he is not shy.” Lotor commented, enjoying as Lance sputtered. “He was rather insatiable.”

“Lotor!” Lance covered his face, knowing Ezor and Zethrid were going to have a field day teasing him about this later.

Lotor chuckled as he walked to his chair and sat down. Suddenly, alarms went off and Acxa pulled up the feed and Voltron was outside. Voltron was fully formed.

Lance swallowed a lump in his throat. They must’ve found someone to replace them.

“Sir, Voltron is calling us.” Acxa reported.

“Lance? How about we give them a show?” Lotor suggested and Lance felt the lump go away. He was where he belonged. It didn’t matter if they replaced him.

Smirking, he walked over to Lotor and sat on his lap, his knees on either side of Lotor’s legs.

“Answer.” Lotor ordered.

All five paladins popped up on the screen and Lance gasped, his eyes going wide. “Shiro?” He couldn’t hide his surprise.

“Lance! It’s good to see you!” Shiro spoke, his tone genuine.

Lance smiled sadly. “I’m glad to see you’re back and okay.” He said honestly and Lotor’s hand settled on his hip. He schooled his expression. He didn’t hate them and Lotor didn’t expect him to.

“What are you doing here?” Lance asked more sternly this time.

They pulled back in surprise, not expecting this reaction from Lance.

“We are here for you Lance.” Shiro said softly then his tone changed. “Give him to us, Prince Lotor, or there will be a fight.”

“You will be wasting your breath. He belongs to me now.” Lotor said, his tone cold and Lance leaned further into him and wrapped his arms around his neck with a small smile.

“Lance doesn’t belong to anyone.” Shiro growled. “Take your hands off of him!”

Lotor smirked and grabbed Lance’s chin, turning his head upwards. Lotor caressed Lance’s bottom lip with his thumb. Lance parted his lips and licked his thumb.

“STOP!” Hunk cried.

Lance turned to the screen. “What makes you think I want to be rescued?” He tilted his head.

“He got in your head, Lance!” Shiro yelled.

“Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t. I’m treated better here than I ever was with you guys. It might be selfish of me to want to stay, but you don’t need me anymore. You’re back and Voltron is strong again. I belong to Lotor.” Lance spoke honestly and even though they might think his words are from being brainwashed, they weren’t.

“Just remember that we tried to negotiate.” Shiro ended the call.

“They didn’t even negotiate anything. They just expected you to hand me over for nothing?” Lance shook his head.

Chapter Text

Lotor’s ship shook as the lions swarmed and fought off the fighters. They were far more coordinated this time around and quickly took care of Lotor’s fighters and shot at the ship. They weren't trying to completely destroy the ship because they wanted Lance safe, but they focused on preventing them from fleeing.

Lotor growled in annoyance. “Axca, Narti, Zethrid, stay here if anything were to happen. Lance and Ezor, you’re coming with me.” Lotor ordered and led the way to the hangar.

“We are outnumbered.” Lotor began as they walked. “We can’t win this fight.”

Lance rushed forward and slid his hand into Lotor’s. “If I have to go back I will.”

Lotor shook his head. “You won’t be going alone. They can take us both.”

Lance bit his lip. “What if they kill you?”

“They won’t.” Lotor sounded absolutely sure.

“I won’t let them try.” Lance vowed.

“Ezor, don’t fight them if they take us. I want you to focus on building our fighter. I will contact you as soon as I can.” Lotor turned to his general and her usual playfulness was replaced with focus.

“I understand.” She replied calmly.

They stopped at the hangar and Lotor turned towards Lance. “Don’t hold back.” Lotor kissed him deeply before pulling away.

They entered the hangar and the door opened. No doubt it was Pidge’s doing. Three lions entered and their paladins emerged.

“Lance, just come with us. We don’t need to fight.” Shiro tried convincing.

“I’m not going without a fight.” Lance tossed his old bayard at the feet. “I don’t need it anymore.”

Keith grew angry. “Don’t make me drag your ass back, Lance.”

Ezor appeared at Lance’s side with a sword and passed it to him. “Kick their asses.” She whispered and glared at Allura.

Lotor had been training Lance with a sword and even though he still wasn’t close to beating Lotor, he was confident he could hold against Keith.

Keith charged at Lance, his sword in hand and their swords clashed loudly, ringing their ears. It didn’t matter as Lance blocked each of Keith’s attacks. The quintessence had made him stronger and his arm gave him an advantage but Keith was a good fighter.

Ezor dodged Allura’s whip and when it wrapped around her wrist, she went invisible and yanked. Allura nearly fell but quickly caught herself and looked around for Ezor, unable to see her. Ezor kicked her in the side and Allura grunted out, swinging her whip around frantically.

Lotor was dodging Shiro’s attacks, not even bothering to grab his own sword.

Keith ducked Lance’s swing but Lance grabbed Keith’s blade with his metal hand before it made contact with his flesh. Lance didn’t feel any pain and kneed Keith in the jaw. Before Lance could punch Keith, Allura’s whip wrapped around his wrist and she pulled. Hard.

Lance staggered forward and growled angrily. He wrapped his hand around the whip and with surprising strength, he tore the whip out of Allura’s hand and threw it across the room.

However, Keith had recovered and used his sword to slice the back of his knee open. Lance fell to his other knee and hissed in pain. He couldn’t move. Panic began to swarm in his gut.

“Lance!” Lotor shouted and quit this game with Shiro and punched him square in the face. He grabbed his sword and Keith wiped his bleeding lip.

Keith was a good swordsman, but he was nothing compared to Lotor.

Lotor was fast, agile, and confident in his skills. Keith was struggling to keep up.

While Allura was distracted by Ezor and Keith was fighting off Lotor, Shiro had taken the chance to run in and grab Lance, grabbing his waist and picking him up.

“Let me go,” Lance struggled in Shiro’s grasp but he wouldn’t budge.

“I got Lance! Let’s go!” Shiro shouted.

Lotor backhanded Keith and grabbed his mullet. Keith yelled out and dropped his sword, trying to pry Lotor’s grip off. “I have one of yours and you have one of mine.” Lotor sneered.

“He’s not yours!” Allura yelled angrily.

“Take us both.” Lotor’s words clearly shocked them. They were expecting something else entirely.

“I would be a valuable prisoner.” Lotor’s voice dripped with confidence and it clearly annoyed Shiro who was still holding a struggling Lance.

“Let Keith go.” Shiro demanded and Lotor smirked, letting go of his hair and Keith fell to the floor. Lotor stepped back and dropped his sword and raised his hands.

“Cuff him.” Shiro ordered and Keith stood up with a hateful glare.

“No need.” Lotor replied but Keith cuffed him anyway. They didn’t trust him.

Lance slumped in Shiro’s grip and let out a quiet groan. His adrenaline was fading fast and his leg was beginning to throb.

“We need to hurry back, Lance needs to go in a healing pod.” Shiro ordered and entered the black lion, Lotor, behind him.

“Hold tight, Lance.” Shiro said softly and set him down so that he could pilot the Lion.

Lotor crouched down beside Lance.

“Leave him alone!” Shiro snapped but Lotor ignored him.

“Here,” Lotor sat next to Lance who shifted closer.

“Was your arm damaged?” Lotor asked quietly and knew Shiro was listening.

“No.” Lance opened his palm to show Lotor. Not even a scratch. “I would have lost a hand if I didn’t have this.” Lance laughed softly. “That would have been a mess.”

“Can you move your leg?” Lotor was growing worried. He was losing a lot of blood and no one bothered to try and help. They were relying on the healing pod to help him.

Lance shook his head. “I’ll be fine. Healing pod heals almost everything.”

“Almost.” Lotor whispered.

“I heal fast, remember?” Lance smirked. “I’m glad we decided to not use that plug.” Lance whispered so that Shiro wouldn’t hear.

Lotor snorted. “True.”

They quickly arrived back to the castle of lions and wouldn’t help Lance walk.

Shiro carried him, ignoring Lance’s protests. “Take him to a cell. I’ll get Lance in a pod.”

Lotor held back from protesting and let them lead him away.

“I’m sorry you got hurt.” Shiro said as he carried Lance to one of the pods.

“Are you?” Lance glared. “You got what you wanted in the end.”

“Lance, we need you here. Lotor messed with your head.” Shiro tried but Lance shook his head.

“Have you not heard what I’ve been saying? I don’t want to be back here and he hasn’t messed with my head.” Lance said angrily.

“Why don’t you want to be here?” Shiro asked softly. He has never seen Lance angry before. It was almost as if he hated them.

“Everything changed when you were gone, Shiro.” Lance refused to elaborate and Shiro helped him into the pod.

Lance closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep as the pod activated.

——

An hour later the pod opened and Lance fell out, groggy and unaware of his surroundings. A pair of arms easily caught him and for a moment he thought it was Lotor but quickly realized it was Shiro.

Lance pushed him away and stumbled back, trying to regain his balance. He noticed everyone else was there watching and waiting for him to say something.

“Where is Lotor?” Lance immediately asked.

“In a cell, where he belongs.” Keith had a dark bruise on his jaw from Lance’s knee.

“He won’t hurt you ever again, Lance.” Allura spoke tenderly.

“He hasn’t hurt me.” Lotor glared before turning on his heel.

“Where are you going?” Shiro grabbed his wrist but Lance wrenched his arm free.

“I’m seeing Lotor.” Lance continued walking, his pace brisk. His leg was tender but the more he walked the more it faded.

“Why? Why would you want to see him? He’s kept you a prisoner this whole time and fucked with your head.” Keith was growing annoyed with Lance’s behavior. Why was he acting like this?

“Try and stop me.” Lance clenched his fist, ready for a fight. Keith stepped forward but Shiro stopped him.

“Let him go and see Lotor.”

Lance didn’t waste any time rushing towards the elevator and knew they were following him. He didn’t care. He needed to see Lotor.

“He’s down in the glass cell.” Shiro directed the elevator to the lowest level.

Lance stepped out and saw a cylindrical cell made of glass with one bright light and nothing but a bench.

Lance took off sprinting. “Lotor!”

Lotor looked up and relief washed over him. He walked to the glass and watched as Lance ran over to him. Their hands were pressed against the glass that separated them.

“Let him out.” Lance turned to Shiro with a glare,

“We can’t do that.” Allura said.

“Why not?“

“For one, he is galra and Zarkon’s son.” Keith pointed out in a condescending tone.

“Aren’t you galra too?” Lance snapped. “Does that make you untrustworthy? What about the Marmora?”

“Lance, he is the Prince.” Allura gestured to Lotor.

“If you won’t let him out then put me in there with him.” Lance glared.

“How much has he brainwashed you?” Keith stepped forward but Shiro held him back.

“Open the cell.” Shiro wanted to see them interact. They seemed close in the black lion and wondered if they were misunderstanding the situation. Lotor seemed to genuinely care for Lance. He had seen the look of relief on Lotor’s face when he saw Lance.

Pidge walked over and tapped away.

The glass ascended upwards and Lance ducked under the glass, not willing to wait and was in Lotor’s arms.

Lotor held him as tight as he could. “I’m glad you’re okay.” He whispered.

Lance pulled back enough to look up at Lotor and slowly stood on his toes. Lotor met him with a deep kiss and Lance wrapped his arms around his neck.

“Don’t tell me you’re fucking him.”

Chapter Text

“Don’t tell me you’re fucking him.” Keith spat in anger and disgust written all over his face. Everyone else was shocked except for Shiro who remained quiet.

“So what if I am?” Lance turned towards Keith, his hand in Lotor’s.

“Fucking traitor.” Keith grabbed his bayard. “He’s Zarkon’s son.”

“And you’re a piece of shit.” Lance’s words and fury stopped all of them. Never has Lance insulted them in any way. He was always cheerful and quick to resolve a situation with humor.

Lance’s cold demeanor towards them was a surprise.

“You were wanting to get rid of me before I got captured.” Lance clenched his fists. “You’ve treated me like shit from day one!”

“Oh poor Lance.” Keith taunted.

“Keith.” Shiro warned.

“I’m not intelligent like Pidge or crafty like Hunk. I don’t have Shiro’s leadership skills or Keith’s experience in fighting. I worked my ass off to prove myself to everyone that I was worthy of being a Paladin.”

“Even when Shiro was here, everyone looked down on me. I didn’t care at the time because I liked being a Paladin and working with everyone. But when Shiro was gone, you all turned on me. I wasn’t included in your plans for missions and was expected to know what I wasn’t told.”

“I was blamed for a mission failing and all you ever did Keith, was blame everyone else around you for your mistakes.”

Keith opened his mouth.

“I’m not finished.” Lance growled.

“I thought maybe it’s because everyone is missing Shiro and without him we can’t find our way, but no. Everyone started to ignore me. No big deal. I just trained harder and harder and yet I still wasn’t good enough.”

“I began hating it here. I was alone and had no one. We were supposed to rely on each other but no, I was left to rely on myself. I worked my ass off day and night to get stronger, blaming myself because maybe I wasn’t good enough to be a part of voltron. Then I realized that I wasn’t good enough for you.”

“I was never Lotor’s prisoner. It hurt like hell when I accepted that I didn’t belong here. I belong with Lotor. I belong with his team because they treated me with the respect that I deserve.” Lance looked at Lotor, a small smile on his lips.

“I didn’t expect to fall for him, but I fell hard. I had almost died from my wounds but he made sure I lived. I know exactly who he is and I trust him with my life. I don’t expect you to trust him but he is nothing like Zarkon. I don’t give a rats ass if I am a traitor because in the end you all got what you wanted right? Voltron back to its glory. You don’t need me.”

Lance finished, breathless from his outburst. It felt good to finally get everything off his chest.

Hunk and Pidge had tears in their eyes and with one look at each other they began bawling. “We’re so sorry Lance!” They cried.

Lance couldn’t help but laugh. “I don’t hate you. I love you both like family. I couldn’t take being here anymore.”

Hunk wiped his nose and Pidge took her glasses off to wipe her eyes.

“Lance… my arrogance blinded me from realizing what we did. It is my fault, and I am truly sorry.” Allura apologized with a whisper.

“Are we going to forget that he gave up his body to Zarkon’s son because someone was nice to him?” Keith couldn’t believe everyone. Lance should be the one apologizing. Not them.

Lotor lost his temper. He was grabbing Keith’s neck before he knew it.

“You do not deserve Lance,” Lotor sneered. “You should be on your knees kissing his feet and begging for his forgiveness.”

Lance was trying to pry Lotor’s hands off his neck. “Damn your galra strength,” Lance got one finger off. “It’s not worth it, Lotor.”

Lotor finally let go and Keith inhaled desperately, holding his throat while he glared at Lotor.

Lotor quickly composed himself and wrapped his arm around Lance’s waist.

“Paladins, despite this situation, I do not wish to fight. We have one thing in common and that is taking down Zarkon’s empire. I have fought back against my fathers reign for years but many weren’t willing to challenge him until voltron returned.” Lance knew he was using his ‘power of persuasion’ as he calls it. Lotor was very convincing.

“I am not your enemy.” Lotor finished.

“You haven’t exactly proven yourself for us to trust you.” Shiro pointed out. “Until we discuss this amongst ourselves, you both will remain in the cell.”

“You should probably announce that you’re coming down here.” Lance quipped with a grin.

“Why?” Shiro’s eyebrows furrowed.

“Well, when two people are romantically involved, there’s this thing call s-“

“Alright, I get it.” Shiro cut him off with a pained expression but his cheeks were slightly pink.

Lance and Lotor stepped back into the cell and watched as Pidge closed it. They weren’t bothered. As long as they are with each other, they can handle anything.

“I’m glad you can still make jokes in these situations.” Lotor said fondly as the paladins were walking away,

“What makes you think I was joking?” Lance gave him a teasing smile and took Lotor’s hands in his own.

“I love you.” Lance whispered and Lotor kissed his hands.

“Come here.” Lotor sat down and pulled Lance into his lap. They sat there, enjoying each other’s company for a while.

“Are you in any pain?” Lotor asked after a few minutes.

Lance shook his head. “It was tender but I’m good now. If anything I’m tired.”

Lance nuzzled Lotor’s cheek with his own. “You didn’t get hurt did you?”

“No.” Lotor replied.

Lance held Lotor’s face in his hands and smiled before leaning down to kiss him.

Lotor opened his mouth and their tongues collided messily, but neither of them cared.

Lance licked and sucked his neck, his lips trailing over his jaw and ears.

Lotor shivered and Lance’s hands were working their way to the back of Lotor’s neck where he was able to drag down the zipper of Lotor’s suit. He pushed the suit down his shoulders and Lotor pulled his arms out.

Lance trailed his tongue and teeth down Lotor’s neck to his chest, sucking and biting. He was determined to mark him everywhere he could.

Lance had been so afraid of being separated from Lotor. If his former teammates had decided to kill Lotor, he wouldn’t have been able to do anything from his injury. Without Lotor, he would be broken.

Lance took one of Lotor’s nipples into his mouth and sucked hard. Lotor groaned and let his head fall back against the bench as Lance teased him.

“Does that feel good?” Lance murmured against his warm skin.

“Yes.”

Lance wanted to worship Lotor and devote all his focus on his pleasure, his own forgotten.

“My Prince,” Lance murmured softly and captured Lotor’s lips once again. It was slow and sensual, leaving them both breathless when they pulled away.

“Sorry to interrupt.” A familiar voice broke the heated bubble between Lance and Lotor.

Lance groaned in annoyance. He really wanted to make Lotor feel good.

“Hey Hunk.” Lance slid off Lotor’s lap while he slipped his arms back into his suit. Lance zipped it up and sat beside Lotor.

Hunk and Pidge were walking towards the cell with a tray of food and what looked like clothes. Pidge opened the cell and they dropped off the food and clothes.

“Sorry we can’t let you out, Shiro’s orders.” Hunk sat in front of the cell and Pidge joined him, both crossing their legs. “There’s clothes in there for the both of you. A blanket too. The castle gets pretty cold.”

Lance waved them off. “No biggie.”

“I had not missed this goo, but at least you make it taste good, Hunk.” Lance said as he took a bite, cringing at the texture.

Lotor had the same expression which made Lance snort. “You’ve gotten spoiled, my prince.” Lance teased.

“As if you aren’t spoiled.” Lotor deadpanned and they both knew it was the truth.

“These are my friends from earth. I told you about Hunk.” Lance introduced and Hunk smiled awkwardly with a little wave. “And that’s Pidge. I met her at the garrisons.”

“Wait, you know I’m a girl?” Pidge’s eyes widened in surprise.

“I’m not blind.” Lance rolled his eyes. “I assumed you didn’t want anyone knowing so I didn’t say anything.”

“So, tell me what I’ve missed?” Lance was holding out an olive branch and they greedily took it.

“I found my brother, Matt.” Pidge couldn’t help but smile. “He is with the rebels but he’ll be here soon.”

“That’s amazing! He was the one who went with Shiro right?”

“My father too but I haven’t found him.” Pidge looked down.

“What’s your real name?” Lance asked softly.

“Katie Holt.”

Lotor perked up at that. “Holt?”

“Lotor?” Lance questioned.

“Are you related to Samuel Holt?”

“That’s my dad!” Pidge’s eyes were wide. “Where is he?”

“He is in a prison that I formally managed. Every prisoner is given work and he proved himself to work as a scientist.” Lotor explained.

Pidge glared daggers at Lotor. “He’s your prisoner?”

“Pidge, how was he supposed to know?” Lance defended.

Pidge opened her mouth to say something but Lotor stopped her. “I always treat my prisoners fairly. You’re lucky he was transferred to me from Zarkon’s, otherwise he would have been forced to fight in the arena.”

Pidge looked down and swallowed. Lotor was right. Her father wouldn’t have been able to last in the arena.

“Your father is an exceptional man. I’ve spoken with him on occasion and he has proved himself intelligent.” Lotor knew that wouldn’t be enough to make the girl trust him but at least she knew he was safe.

“How will I get him back?” Pidge whispered.

“I can help.” Lotor offered and she bit her lip in thought.

“I’ll have to talk with the others…” Pidge stood up and walked away, her hands stuffed in her pockets.

Lance looked at Lotor with a little smile and grabbed his hand. “You gave her hope.”

“Well…” Hunk wasn’t sure where to start. “Tell me about your time with Lotor?”

Lance was grateful for the subject change. “It’s amazing. Lotor’s generals are the sweetest bunch I have ever met.”

“I don’t think they would appreciate you describing them as sweet.” Lotor quipped.

“True but they know they’re badass so it’s okay.” Lance grinned from ear to ear. “We work really well together. They helped me train when I was getting used to my arm. Zethrid especially considering she can take a punch.”

“Was that from when you were injured?” Hunk gestured to his arm.

“The damage was too much for it to be saved.” Lance explained, not bothered by Hunk’s curiosity.

“It kind of looks like Shiro’s.” Hunk pointed out.

Lance stiffened. “Well, uh, it was made by the same person.” Lance laughed awkwardly.

“Hagar?” Hunk’s eyes widened.

“Lotor summoned her. She didn’t know that I was a Paladin, otherwise I wouldn’t be here.” Lance shrugged. “If it weren’t for her I would have died, not that I’m ever going to thank her.”

“So… you’re okay?” Hunk was concerned for a good reason. Hagar was ruthless and cruel.

“Yeah, I’m good. It didn’t take long to heal but it hurt like hell.” Lance kept out that she had used quintessence to keep him alive. They didn’t need to know that.

“Does it hurt now?” Hunk asked.

“Nope.” Lance gave Hunk a reassuring smile.

“You seem happy, Lance.” Hunk pointed out.

“I am. I really am. I don’t like to think about what would have happened if Lotor hadn’t come to me.” Lance admitted. “But being with him and the girls has been life changing.”

“I’m so sorry, Lance. I didn’t stand up for you or notice how much we were neglecting you.” Hunk apologized, tears gathered in his eyes.

“I’m not mad at you Hunk and I don’t hate anyone for it. I’ve missed you and Pidge like crazy but I’m happy being with Lotor. I know you don’t trust him but I love him.” Lance spoke softly to his best friend.

“I don’t want to have to choose between you and him.” Lance knew that Hunk understood what he was saying. If it came down to it, Lance would always choose Lotor should they try and force them apart. If they wanted to kill Lotor, they would have to kill Lance too.

“I understand.” Hunk was saddened at the thought and prayed it wouldn’t come down to that. But he was also happy that his friend had managed to meet and fall in love with someone who treated him right. Lotor seemed to genuinely love Lance and Hunk couldn’t find it in himself to care that Lotor was Zarkon’s son.

Lance had a complicated relationship with his own father and Hunk always knew that Lance wasn’t that man. Why couldn’t it be the same for Lotor?

They shouldn’t make assumptions about his character just because of his lineage. It wasn’t fair.

“I’m going to head up as well. I don’t know if I’ll be able to convince them to hear what you have to say, Prince Lotor, but I am willing.” Hunk stood up.

“Thank you.” Lotor gave him a stern nod which Hunk returned before the Paladin turned and left.

Lance let out a sigh and leaned against Lotor. “I’ve missed him.”

“I can see why. He has a big heart.”

“The biggest,” Lance looked up and Lotor gave him a quick kiss. They remained in each other’s arms before eventually taking the clothing Hunk had brought them and changed.

Lotor wasn’t exactly comfortable wearing something other than his armor while he was currently a prisoner. However, Lance told him he looked intimidating while he was all ‘soldiered up.’ It was better to have some sort of comfort if they were forced to sleep on that bench.

Lotor laid down and pulled Lance down on top of him.

They laid together for a few minutes until Lance broke the comfortable silence. “What if we became allies with them?” He whispered quietly.

Lotor didn’t outright turn the idea down. “Tell me why we should.” He was giving Lance a chance to explain his idea and kept an open mind. Lance appreciated Lotor’s respect for his opinion and ideas.

“We both want Zarkon gone.” Lance pointed out. “Allura wants to completely take down the empire but you want to reform it. I don’t think she has genocide on her mind but she might be willing to let you handle the empire if we earn their trust.”

“And how would we do that? When she looks at me, she sees my father and what he has done to her family and home.”

“We kill Zarkon.”

“It’s not that easy, Lance.”

“I know, but we wouldn’t be alone. You’re strong enough to beat him. You aren’t greedy like he is. You have compassion and respect. He is a tyrant and a dictator. Allura may think herself a liberator and we can use that.” Lance explained.

“Not to mention, the quicker we win this war the quicker we can get bonded. I’ll take you to earth to meet my mama.” Lance smiled.

“The hardest part will be convincing them.” Lotor murmured.

“Let me handle that.”

“You are truly a treasure, mi amor.” Lotor whispered and Lance loved it when Lotor used some phrases he had taught him.

“Let’s try and get some rest.” Lotor kissed Lance’s forehead.

“Aren’t you uncomfortable?” Lance asked, resting his head on Lotor’s chest.

“I’ve slept on worse.” Lotor closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around Lance’s waist.

“I love you.”

“And I you.”

Chapter Text

“Hey Lance, we got some of your shit!” Pidge shouted as she and Hunk exited the elevator with boxes in hand.

Lance groaned as he lifted his head up from Lotor’s chest. While he didn’t mind sleeping on top of Lotor, there was no room to stretch. It wasn’t a very comfortable night for them. Neither felt well rested.

“Fuck,” Lance untangled himself from Lotor, stumbling as he did so and fell to the floor. Lotor sat up, his hair messy. He clearly did not sleep.

“Lotor…” Lance snorted at how ruffled Lotor looked and the man was not a happy camper.

“My own prisoners get better cells than this.” Lotor grumbled. His back hurt and he definitely had a crick in the neck.

“Sorry about that. We don’t have prisoners very often.” Pidge shrugged and opened the cell so that she could slide the boxes in.

There wasn’t much but Lance pulled out his jacket that he had been missing. It had been a gift from his mother and it reminded him of home. Lance pressed the fabric to his nose and inhaled, happy to have a piece of his mother.

There were a few more of his things, such as face masks and creams, lotions, and other hygienic products. Lance appreciated skin care and he found out that Lotor did as well. Grabbing his brush, he passed it to Lotor who joined him and watched as Lance rummaged through the boxes.

Lotor gave him a small smile of appreciation and ran the brush through his hair. He always looked presentable in front of everyone. His generals included. Lance was the only exception considering they slept in the same bed and Lotor had a bad case of cow licks in the morning. It was pointless trying to look perfect with someone like Lance who loves his cow licks. Lotor’s pride was taking a hit by looking unpresentable in front of the paladins.

“Thank you.” Lance had his jacket clutched to his chest and looked at Hunk.

“I know it means a lot to you, so I thought you might want it.” Hunk shrugged his shoulders.

“I appreciate it, I really do.”

“Your pod is in there too if you want to listen to music. The others will be coming down in a bit to speak with you both.” Pidge pointed to the boxes.

Lance grinned and dug through the box until he found his pod and hugged it to his chest. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Pidge had managed to download music from Earth and Lance never wanted to ask how considering the stuff she manages to get is questionable. In these cases, it was best not to know.

“Lotor, it’s time to introduce you to Shakira.” Lance grinned and shuffled until he found “Hips Don’t Lie” and Lotor’s face was priceless. “Mom is a big fan of Shakira.”

Lotor tried to keep an open mind as he listened to the song but seeing Lance close his eyes and quietly sing along made him love whoever this Shakira person was.

“Just wait until you hear grimes.” Hunk quipped and Lance rolled his eyes.

“Don’t you hate on Grimes. She knows what’s good.”

“Oh, they’re here.” Pidge told them and Lance pouted as he turned off Shakira. Lotor stood up and offered a hand, which Lance gladly accepted with a smile.

“I don’t even want to ask what a Grimes is.” Lotor murmured quietly, making Lance laugh.

“Shakira isn’t for everyone but you might like Grimes. You give that kind of vibe.” Lance held his hand.

“Vibe?” Lotor did his cute head tilt thing and furrowed his brows.

“I’ll explain later.” Lance promised and they faced the rest of the paladins.

“Lance, we understand you are with Lotor now, but we want you back on the team.” Shiro began and Lance believed that he wanted Lance on the team, but the others, such as Keith, didn’t seem to be happy about the idea.

“I don’t want to come back.” Lance sighed and shook his head. “I don’t belong as a paladin. I’m not just with Lotor, I am his general. I want you to respect my decision.”

“Lance…” Shiro wasn’t sure how to proceed.

“That doesn’t mean we can’t work together. We have the same goal as you and I truly do not want to fight against you.” Lance began and took a deep breath. “We both want Zarkon gone. He has hurt millions of people across the galaxy and we fight for them too because they can’t fight for themselves.”

“What about the galra? Everyone under Zarkon’s rule?” Allura asked, her tone sharp.

Lance expected her reaction. “Don’t they deserve mercy? Zarkon is a dictator even to his own race. I have no doubt there will be many willing to break from the empire if they had a choice. The ones who thrive under Zarkon’s rule will be taken care of. The empire can be reformed under Lotor’s rule and instead of dominating the galaxy like Zarkon has done, he can make a difference.”

“My home. My family! What about the lives the empire has already destroyed?” Allura was upset and she had every right to be.

“I’m not asking you to forget your grief and anger. But revenge will lead you on the same path as Zarkon. Not in the same way but in wiping out an entire race that I think deserves a chance at being saved. How long has the empire reigned? Thousands of years. Zarkon lived through it but there are children growing up in an unforgiving environment. They have known nothing except for the empire Zarkon has built. They deserve a chance to make choices for themselves.” Lance finished and he knew his words hit home. They hadn’t considered the innocents trapped in the empire.

“Lotor has a refuge planet. People who wanted out but were too afraid to fight for themselves got a chance to be free. Lotor provides everything he can to these people. Hybrids who were cast out and even prisoners were rescued. Lotor has been working against his father a long time but drawing too much attention would have been dangerous. If Zarkon found out about the refuge planet, he would’ve slaughtered everyone there just to teach Lotor a lesson.” Lance squeezed Lotor’s hand.

“I’m not expecting you to suddenly trust him, but at least trust me.” Lance finished his speech feeling very confident that he got through to his former team.

“Lance… people won’t just trust the galra.” Allura crossed her arms.

“You’re a Paladin of Voltron, aren’t you supposed to defend the universe? The galra are a part of the universe.” Allura looked down. Lance was right. She was blinded by her anger and grief.

“I’m sure the green Paladin has mentioned her father being my prisoner?” Lotor finally spoke up after Lance’s very moving speech.

“She told us.” Shiro replied.

“I have a plan that will not only defeat Zarkon once and for all but also bring your father home to you, Miss Holt.” Pidge flushed at the formal use of her name and looked away embarrassed.

“P-Pidge is fine.” She stuttered. “Can we wait for my brother and the rebels to get here before we dive into the plan?”

“Can we also get a cell with a proper bed? I’m going to be sore for weeks from that… whatever you call it.” Lance raised his hand with a hopefully little smile.

“You can take your old room back Lance.” Shiro agreed and Lance let out a relieved breath.

“Great.” Lance turned to Lotor with a beaming smile. “Nothing beats our bed though.”

Shiro just shook his head with slightly pink cheeks.

Chapter Text

“What is this plan?” Matt asked, crossing his arms as he stood beside his sister.

Matt was uncomfortable being around Lotor at first but meeting Lance had quickly replaced that with excitement. He liked Lance. He was fun.

“Voltron will offer to trade Lotor for your father.” Lance started with a self assured nod. “Or rather, the other way around.”

“I’m sorry, what?” Hunk was confused.

“Well, you won’t actually be giving him to Zarkon. Lotor and I already discussed how we can convince Zarkon that Lotor has betrayed the empire.” Lance grinned.

“How?”

“His generals. If you allow us to contact them, we will set the plan in motion. They will retrieve Sam Holt and bring him to Zarkon. The girls will make sure he stays safe in the meantime.” Lance explained.

“How do we know Zarkon will want to trade for Lotor?” Keith asked.

Lotor spoke up. “He has been looking for an excuse to kill me for decades now. With proof of my betrayal, he will accept.”

“You seem sure about that. What if you turn against us?” Keith glared. He still didn’t trust Lotor or even Lance for that matter.

“I had refugee camps in the past that my father found out about.” Lotor began. “He slaughtered children in front of their parents and burned villages. He told me mercy was a weakness. All my life he has been a tyrant and I want to be free of him.”

“Lotor is capable of killing Zarkon.” Lance assured them. “He has more reason than any of us to want him gone.”

Silence passed as everyone considered this plan. It was a good one but no doubt it was going to be extremely risky. If it all went wrong… no one wanted to think of the consequences.

“Contact your generals.” Shiro agreed and no one protested. Even Keith kept his mouth shut.

“Use this.” Pidge handed Lance a tablet they could use to contact the girls.

“Stay quiet. It’s best if they don’t see or hear you. The less they know about our alliance the better.”

Lotor typed in the tablet and soon enough all of his generals were squeezed into the screen.

“My Prince?” Acxa asked in confusion. “Lance? Are you both alright?”

Lance couldn’t help but smile fondly hearing her concern. “We’re okay, Acxa, it’s nice to know you love me too.”

Acxa rolled her eyes but a small smile remained on her lips.

“I need you to do something for me, can you do that?” Lotor asked seriously.

“Of course, we will do anything for you.” Acxa replied and the other girls nodded their agreement.

“Lance and I need you to retrieve one of my prisoners. His name is Samuel Holt and he works as a scientist.” Lotor began.

“We will, but may I ask why?” Acxa was confused.

“Because we need you to go to Zarkon and tell him that Lotor has betrayed the empire.” Lance watched their eyes widen.

“What?” Ezor cried in shock.

“I intend to kill Zarkon.” Lotor saw the girls’ shock fade away into understanding.

“What do you want us to say?” Acxa asked.

“That I am now allied with Voltron. Say that I betrayed you and killed Narti and before I could kill the rest of you, you escaped.” Lotor told them.

“Zarkon will want to kill Lotor himself and with Samuel Holt, he will contact Voltron for a trade. Sam for Lotor.” Lance explained. “Zarkon is going to try some nasty trick of course but we want you to keep Sam safe.”

“We can do that. Narti can hold things here and when we need her, she won’t be far away.” Acxa gave herself a self assured nod. The others quickly agreed to the plan. Both Lance and Lotor trusted them to handle this and succeed. They weren’t Lotor’s generals for nothing. They were smart and ruthless. Capable of handling anything.

“Are you okay, Lance? You got injured pretty badly.” Ezor’s concern showed on her face and Lance smiled fondly at her.

“An hour in an altean healing pod got me as good as new.” Lance winked at her. “Stay safe and when we are all together again, we can cuddle.”

“Yes!” Zethrid whooped excitedly at the idea of cuddles. She loved when they all cuddled and she might be a big scary galra woman, but on the inside, she is a softy when it comes to her team, her family.

“Stay safe.” Lotor ended the call and let out a sigh.

“We intend to train if you wish to join us.” Shiro offered and watched the pair look at each other and silently debate.

“We would love to, but we didn’t get much sleep in the cell.” Lance finally said, facing Shiro. “Not that we are actually going to get sleep.” He leered and Shiro pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Just go.” Shiro getting flustered made Lance laugh. It was one of his new favorite things.

“Yes sir!” Lance chirped and grabbed Lotor’s hand, pulling him towards his old room. It would be small and cramped but it beat the cell they were in.

“Do you want to shower first?” Lance wondered.

“I did want to touch you the first time I saw you in the shower,” Lotor smirked and pulled Lance against him. He leaned down until their faces were inches apart.

Lance let out a soft sigh. “Shower then.”

The pair stopped by Lance’s room, struggling to keep their hands off each other, and grabbed toiletries before heading towards the showers.

The showers are close to the training room and they both counted on being heard. Only to make the others uncomfortable and embarrassed.

They quickly undressed and stepped under the hot spray, sighing in pleasure from the heat of the water.

Lotor pushed Lance against the wall, the water running down his hair and back. “Open your mouth.” Lotor whispered and Lance obeyed.

Their tongues clashed in a heated battle until their need for oxygen forced them to part. Lance kneeled down and took Lotor in his hand, slowly stroking him until he was fully hard.

“I don’t think I could ever get tired of this,” Lance pumped his base, his fingers running along the ridges and bumps on his cock and leaned down to take his tip into his mouth. He swirled his tongue and sucked, enjoying the way Lotor throbbed on his tongue.

He swallowed Lotor further until he felt him press against the back of his throat. Lance’s eyes flutter shut as he concentrates, his tongue pressing along the underside of his cock. He knew Lotor’s sensitive spots and even though he gagged from Lotor’s hips suddenly jerking, it brought him satisfaction being able to make Lotor lose his cool.

Lotor eased his mouth off his cock and pulled Lance up for another kiss. “We don’t have any lube.” Lotor said against his lips.

“That’s okay, I can handle the pain.” Lance whispered and Lotor’s hand moved to his backside and began to slowly stretch him. It was more uncomfortable without the lube but he didn’t mind.

Normally, Lotor would take his time preparing Lance considering his dick was huge. Lotor also did it so that Lance would get frustrated enough to beg. Not that it took long at all.

“Put your hands on the wall.” Lotor turned him around and Lance did so, spreading his legs and slightly arching his back. Lotor began to slowly push in and Lance closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. It burned but it was bearable. His body had gotten used to Lotor’s size.

Lance let out a satisfied groan when he felt Lotor’s hips press against his backside. It felt good to be filled to the brink.

“Give me a minute.” Lance was slightly breathless as he gave his body time to adjust. Lotor kissed and sucked at his neck, leaving dark red marks against his golden brown skin.

“I’m ready,” Lance turned his head to get a quick kiss from Lotor who slowly pulled out.

“Ahh!” Lance screamed in surprise when Lotor slammed into him. “Lotor! Fuck!” Lance’s knees were trembling as Lotor pounded into him and Lance hung his head, loud moans spilling from his lips.

Lotor grabbed Lance’s right leg and hooked his arm under his knee. The change of angle had Lotor hitting his prostate dead on. Lance threw his head back against Lotor’s chest, his mouth open in silent screams.

“You feel so good,” Lotor whispered huskily in his ear, feeling Lance shudder against him.

“More!” Lance gasped.

“Oh fuck,” Lance wasn’t going to last any longer. Moments like these where they fucked hard and fast was one of their favorites. It was rough and quick but very satisfying. “I’m close.”

Lotor was too excited to stop and felt his own orgasm getting close. Lance squeezed around him even tighter if that was even possible. Lance cried out as he came, his hands frantically scratching at Lotor’s arms. He was thankful Lotor had such a strong grip on him otherwise he would have collapsed.

Lotor’s pace became erratic as he chased his orgasm and let out a deep growl. He bit down on Lance’s shoulder as he finally released. Lance milked every last drop from him and he relaxed.

Lotor took a few deep breaths and realized he had bitten Lance a little too hard. “I’m sorry,” he whispered and kissed the bleeding wound.

“No- no that was hot,” Lance panted with a tired smile.

“You’re perfect,” Lotor kissed him gently before slowly pulling out.

“Let me take care of you,” Lotor loved the way Lance smiled at him in appreciation.

— training room —

“Ahh!”

Everyone was startled by the sudden loud scream and their anxiety was quickly replaced by embarrassment when they heard more screaming.

“Lotor! Fuck!”

Everyone wasn’t sure if they were grateful that someone wasn’t currently getting killed.

“More!”

“Who’s idea was it to let them out of the cell?” Keith broke their uncomfortable silence and everyone shot him a glare even if they agreed.

Chapter Text

“You will give me Prince Lotor and the former Paladin in exchange for the scientist.” Zarkon demanded the paladins with a cocky tone. He was confident that he was going to win either way.

“Only Prince Lotor. His general stays with us.” Allura glared daggers into him but Zarkon didn’t care for the hostility.

“My son is worthless and so is his general. The Paladin is only good for breeding. You will bring them both or the scientist will die.” Zarkon stepped back and behind him was Pidge’s father and Lotor’s generals.

Lotor growled and Lance had to take his hand and reassure Lotor that he was there.

“Where do you want us to bring them?” Shiro asked through clenched teeth.

“Coordinates will be given. No castle of lions or voltron.” Zarkon warned.

“The same goes for you.” Allura sneered and the call disconnected.

“His words mean nothing.” Lance whispered to Lotor and brought his hands to his lips to gently kiss them. “We will kill him, no matter what it takes.”

Lotor let out a shuddered breath and pressed their foreheads together. “It’s not me I worry about. I fear that if we fail, he will capture you and do…” Lotor didn’t need to finish.

“If you die, I die. We will stick together, no matter what.” Lance held Lotor’s face in his hands. “Besides, we still have to get bonded.”

“Bonded?” Allura whispered, her eyes wide. She accepted that Lance and Lotor had some relationship… but bonding was an entirely different story.

“What’s that?” Hunk asked, suddenly confused from Allura’s change in attitude.

“It is centuries old and rarely used anymore.” Allura began to explain. “It is when two people share blood and combine their souls. It is unbreakable and sacred.”

“Do you know what that means, Lance?” Allura glared daggers at Lotor.

“I know exactly what it means.” Lance glared right back at her. “How many times do I have to say that I love him before you understand?” This was getting annoying.

“Did he tell you that it binds your very life? If one of you dies, so does the other.” Allura’s words shocked everyone else who wasn’t aware of bonding.

“Of course he did. I wouldn’t have agreed to it if I didn’t want to do it.” Lance rolled his eyes.

“So, you’re getting married?” Hunk looked at Lance with wide eyes.

“Yes, but bonding is more personal. It takes ‘till death do us part’ in a literal sense.” Lance gave Hunk a bright smile. “I love him, Hunk.”

Hunk nodded in understanding. The idea of their lives being tied together was concerning but seeing how happy Lance is, was enough reasoning for Hunk.

“I better be invited.” Hunk grinned and Lance returned it.

“Of course!” Lance shot a smile at Lotor.

“We need to go.” Shiro planned to talk with Lance after this fight was over.

“Pidge, Matt, and I will go to Zarkon’s coordinates. The rest of you will stay here in a wormhole.” Shiro ordered.

Lance and Lotor were already in their armor, ready for the fight.

They followed the trio down to the hangar and entered a pod they would be using instead of a lion. Shiro put cuffs around their wrists but they could easily be removed.

While they flew through the wormhole Allura made, Lance and Lotor watched each other in silence. They spoke without having to speak any words. They knew what the other was thinking.

They quickly arrived at the planet and Shiro told them to remain in the pod while he spoke to Zarkon. They talked quickly because minutes later, Shiro returned to forcefully drag them out.

Lotor and Lance both glared at Zarkon even as he brought Samuel Holt out. “Dad!” Pidge shouted, trying to run forward and get to her father without so much as a plan. Shiro had to hold her back and she let out a small growl of frustration. Her father was right there!

Lance and Lotor began walking towards Zarkon while Sam made his way towards them. As they passed, Lotor noticed something strange and as soon as they reached Zarkon, Pidge screamed.
Pidge had run right through her father. “That wasn’t the deal!” Pidge screamed in rage and Lotor took the opportunity to break through his restraints easily and pull the bayard from Axca’s hip. He reminded himself to thank her for bringing his weapon as he swung it at his father, the impact of the hit against his gauntlet made a loud noise and the ground beneath them shuddered slightly.

“The time has come then. This ends today,” Zarkon snarled as he transformed his own bayard into a glowing purple sword and charged at his son. Lotor charged right back at him and their swords clashed, creating an orb that surrounded them, sand and dust flying everywhere.

Everyone else quickly recovered and he turned to Axca. “Where is Holt?” Lance asked and Axca gestured for him to follow. Luckily, Zarkon had actually brought Sam, but only because the man had intended to kill him in front of the paladins. Sam was clearly confused as Lance grabbed him by the arm and let him out from the ship, briefly glancing at Lotor.

“Your daughter is here for you,” Lance told him and the man's eyes widened in surprise.

“Katie?” He whispered. He had lost hope years ago and believed he would never see his children again.

“And Matt.” Lance gave him a small smile as they saw Pidge, Matt, and Shiro running towards them. “Get him to safety, I need to help Lotor.” Lance didn’t give them a chance to respond, already running off back towards the ship to find a weapon. Luckily, there was a rifle he knew how to use and ran towards the fight. He crouched down and aimed his rifle at Zarkon but they were moving too quickly.

Zarkon landed a powerful blow, sending Lotor back but he did not falter. He charged his father once more and Zarkon slammed his fist into the ground, the impact causing the ground around him to rupture. Lotor got back in time to avoid being hit by flying rubble.

Lotor and Zarkon faced each other.

“You want the throne? Even with the power you inherit from me you are still weak. The altean blood running through your veins poison you and make you weak. At last, my darkest shame can be erased from the universe.” Zarkon snarled.

“You speak to me of weakness?” Lotor scoffed. “You’ve become another one of the witch's monsters. Does she control you too? Tell me, how does it feel to grow weaker and weaker each day. Does the memory of power haunt you? Is that why you want voltron? Because without it, you are nothing.” Lotor spoke coldly, his words full of hate and disgust.

“You want to see power?” Zarkon boomed in outrage. “You want to see the power of the empire?” The tubes on his armor was clearly connected to his back and he was injected with what Lance and Lotor assumed, quintessence. Gravity began to falter around Zarkon, rubble beginning to hover and float as Zarkon crouched. “This is the power of the empire and you will face its wrath!”

Lance’s eyes widened as Zarkon’s blade caught Lotor’s, forcing him to let go. Zarkon’s fist crashed down and Lotor dogged out of the way just in time.

Lance stood up and began walking, trying to get a good vantage point. “I need to stop the flow of quintessence.” Lance whispered to himself and aimed at the tubes on his back, waiting for the perfect moment.

Lance ignored the other lions arriving and destroying Zarkon’s fleet that was headed towards them. Lotor was thrown against a pile of rocks, his back slamming painfully against it. Lance’s heart dropped but he let out a breath to steady himself. Lotor was strong. The other tube began to drain and Lance fired, the bullet going straight through the tube and quintessence began to seep out.

Zarkon stumbled and faltered but quickly recovered as Lotor stood back up, once again slamming him into the rubble. Lotor refused to cry out and Lance could see he was getting tired. “Lotor! Get up!” Lance screamed.

Zarkon transformed his bayard into a blaster and pointed it at Lance. “No!” Lotor screamed and as Zarkon fired, Lotor grabbed a rusted metal rod from the debris and pushed it straight through Zarkon’s armor. Zarkon screamed in pain and stumbled back.

“Your fleet is destroyed. It is over.” Lotor grabbed the end of the rod and yanked it out. Zarkon fell.

“Lance!” Lotor immediately rushed towards his lover who had been hit by the blast but his timing stopped Zarkon from killing Lance. He was bleeding from his hip and Lotor pulled him into his arms. “Lance,” he called out more softly and let out a breath of relief when Lance’s eyes opened.

“You did it,” Lance whispered and even though he was in pain, he managed to give Lotor a beaming smile, showing just how proud he was. Lotor felt his eyes sting with tears and turned towards the paladins who just arrived.

“He needs medical attention!” Lotor yelled to them as he picked Lance up into his arms, as gentle as he could manage. It didn’t matter that his body ached in protest, Lance was more important.

Coran quickly led them both to the castle and Lotor eased Lance into a healing pod before he was pushed in one himself, Coran telling him he needed to heal as well. Lotor allowed himself to relax in the healing pod as he succumbed to a dreamless slumber.

Chapter Text

Lotor sighed and pulled his hair into a messy bun and rubbed his face. He was exhausted but he couldn’t sleep without Lance. Lance would’ve kissed his cheek and helped put his hair into a better bun before dragging him to bed, laughing as he demanded Lotor to get some much needed rest. The ache of not having Lance by his side was almost crippling.

Lotor looked at Lance in the healing pod and heard two pairs of footsteps entering the room.

“Hey man.” Hunk offered a small smile. “He’s going to be fine. It just takes longer with a wound like that.”

Lotor nodded because he knew that and yet it still hurt. Lance had gotten hurt in the first place because of him.

“I know that look. You feel guilty.” Hunk pointed out. “Lance is strong and he clearly loves you. I’ve never seen him so happy. And once he comes out of that pod, it will be like it never happened.”

Lotor let out another sigh and nodded, knowing Hunk was right. Lance wouldn’t blame him so why is he blaming himself?

“Back at the academy on earth, he would get in trouble when Pidge was about to snap at Iverson. Sometimes, we snuck into the kitchen and staff rooms to grab snacks the officers tried to hide. We snuck back to our rooms to watch movies Pidge downloaded.” Hunk smiled as he remembered the memories.

Hunk’s smile fell. “I noticed when everyone started to ignore him and so did I. I did nothing to change that. He stopped trying to make us happy, he stopped making his jokes and flirty comments. He became someone that we would want, but even then… we didn’t want him.”

Lotor watched him for a moment, considering his words carefully. “We all make mistakes. All of you are under a lot of pressure. Lance and I both agreed that if none of that had happened, we wouldn’t have met the way we did.” Lotor’s voice softened at the end.

Hunk nodded. “He’s happy with you and I want nothing more for him to be happy.”

“Tell me more about his time on Earth.” Lotor wanted to know more. Lance told him a lot of stories but he wanted to hear a different perspective.

Hunk took a seat in front of Lotor and began talking. “There was this one time when we were younger. These kids were bullying Lance’s younger sibling Marco and we both beat the hell out of that kid. We headed to Lance’s house after that and he took complete blame. His mother always knew he was trying to protect his siblings but scolded him anyway. He was grounded for a week.” Hunk laughed to himself. “Another time, we were late to school because Lance was getting the twins ready for kindergarten. His mother had to leave for work early and when we got to school, our teachers asked why we were late. He told her “I had to do my hair and make-up.” It was hilarious because our teacher was a woman and she probably took a while doing her own hair and make-up.”

Lotor chuckled. That sounded like something Lance would do. “He told me about you two dressing up as girls?” Lotor raised a questioning eyebrow and Hunk laughed. “Yeah, we did. It was the funniest thing ever! He did our make up and we dressed in some of his mother’s clothes. His older sister had wigs and we really did look like girls. She liked to cosplay so there were some nice ones. We fooled the entire school and during lunch we said, “Man, what a long day,” and took off our wigs. Everyone laughed and we got in trouble, Lance taking most of the blame.” Hunk smiled fondly.

Lotor noticed Lance looked uncomfortable in the healing pod.

“There were times when he took the blame and ended up getting in trouble with his father. He would beat him bloody. He told me the reason he did it. To protect his mother and siblings. He would tell them to go into the room and lock themselves in. At least they would be okay, even if he wasn’t.” Hunk smiled sadly. He always had respect and awe for his best friend.

“Lance told me about his father, but he always managed to turn a sad situation into something positive. Not just for himself but also his family. Lance’s kindness and strength is why I love him. I’ve never known anyone like Lance and like myself and my generals, he has found a way to worm into our cold and broken hearts. There are times when I can hardly believe he is real and with me of all people. The way he looks at me is sometimes… I can’t possibly imagine my life without him.” Lotor never opened up to anyone but Lance but he needed to get these words off his chest. Hunk tried to hide his surprise from seeing Lotor’s vulnerable side. All of his doubts about Lotor vanished.

“You should try to get some rest,” Hunk stood and gave Lotor a genuine smile.

“I can’t sleep without him.” Lotor told him, shaking his head.

“Thank you Lotor, for being there and giving him happiness and comfort. We don’t deserve him.” Hunk left the room, leaving Lotor alone with his thoughts. At least he wasn’t blaming himself anymore.

Lance shifted uncomfortably in the pod and Lotor knew that whatever was going through his head was not something happy. He wished he could squeeze in the pod with him and comfort him.

—-

Lance groaned and fell out of the pod, only to be caught by strong arms. He opened his eyes and looked up to see Lotor, a smile immediately coming to his face. Lotor looked relieved and leaned down to kiss his lips. “What was that for? Not that I’m complaining.” Lance noticed how disheveled Lotor looked and pursed his lips.

“You didn’t get ANY rest did you? And I’m guessing you sat in front of the pod with a messy bun because you don’t know how to do it without causing a tangly mess. You had your face in your hands because you were blaming yourself.” Lance narrowed his eyes on him knowingly.

“You know me best.” Lotor said with a smile and Lance growled.

“Don’t give me that look!” Lance stuck out his bottom lip in a pout. He didn’t realize the others were filing in the room. “You mister, are in big trouble.” Lance pointed at him and Lotor’s eyes widened when he realized why he was in trouble. His smile fell and he genuinely looked worried.

“Why does he look scared?” Keith asked from the doorway.

“Because Lotor got his hair tangled and was blaming himself for Lance’s injuries.” A familiar voice tuned it and Lance let out an excited laugh, turning to see Ezor standing there with a big smile.

“Ezor!” Lance cried happily and ran to give her a big hug. “How is my favorite pink girl and her girlfriend?” Lance teased and Axca’s cheeks turned a dark purple.

“We are doing fine!” Ezor chirped as she walked to Acxa and kissed her cheek.

Lance’s jaw fell open. “How much did I miss? Was I out that long?!”

“We didn’t have you and no cuddles! So, we kind of cuddled on our own and it just happened!” Ezor pretended to pout and Lance rolled his eyes, pulling both of them for a hug.

“We can have ALL the cuddles, come here ladies,” Lance gestured to the other women he had come to see as family.

“Yes!” Zethrid whooped in excitement and pulled them all into her big arms, forming a large cuddle pile right in the middle of the infirmary on the floor.

“Lotor get your ass in here! Don’t think I forgot about your punishment for a second!” Lance yelled from the middle of the pile. The girls immediately made room for Lotor who squeezed in with a fond smile.

“What the hell just happened?” Pidge asked the question everyone had been thinking. Everyone shrugged their shoulders. It was strange to see a group of very formidable people having a cuddle pile. They may or may not have felt envious as the group swiftly got comfortable and warm, falling asleep to catch up on much needed rest.

Chapter Text

The large pile began to shift and stir, sitting up as they looked around blinking, remembering where they were at.

Lance was lying mostly on Lotor and leaned up to give him a kiss to remind him he was okay. They all felt well rested despite only sleeping for a few hours. It was amazing what a cuddle pile could do. They had slept on the uncomfortable floor with no blankets and yet they were all too happy to ignore that.

Ezor kissed Acxa who was still trying to wake up.

“Lotor, you smell.” Lance blurted out causing the girls to snicker.

“I know, I know.” Lotor let out a long sigh. “Shower?” He leered at Lance who immediately perked up, causing the girls to snicker more.

They separated from the group to head towards the showers, hand in hand. Once they were there, they began to strip and Lotor noticed the new scar on Lance’s hip. He knelt down and pressed a kiss to the scarred flesh. “Beautiful,” he murmured and Lance pulled him up for a kiss.

“Let’s wash that hair, shall we?” Lance teased making Lotor roll his eyes.

—-

“Have fun?” Zethrid gave Lance a wink when they entered the control room an hour later. Lance rolled his eyes and punched Zethrid playfully on the arm.

“Lotor.” Allura spoke up, getting their attention. “Who will take the throne now that Zarkon is dead?”

Lotor crossed his arms. “When an empress or emperor dies, a new one takes their place. Zarkon’s most trusted commanders will take part in the Kral Zera.”

“What exactly is a ‘Kral Zera?’ Will there be food? Sounds fancy,” Hunk said and Lance snickered.

“It is a coronation ceremony for the new emperor or empress. It will be held at the first planet, we, the galra, have conquered,” Lotor shifted uncomfortably and Lance walked over to slide his hand into Lotor’s, providing comfort and support.

“Planet Fayiv, a sacred land.”

“Lotor wants peace throughout the universe. Getting rid of the empire is not an option. There are those who hated the way Zarkon ruled and feared standing against him. Lotor will be the new emperor. Maybe the new empire will have Voltron as an ally.” Lance suggested.

Shiro was considering their words, a thoughtful expression on his face. “With us as support, more people would be willing to side with you.”

“How do we know Lotor hasn’t been tricking us the entire time?” Allura stated, her expression hard.

“He isn’t.” Hunk spoke up. “This war was against Zarkon and he’s dead now.”

“No doubt there will be those against Lotor’s rule and we will be there to crush any rebellions.” Shiro told Allura. “The empire has controlled most of the universe and is the strongest. It would do more harm if we tried to eliminate the empire entirely. Not to forget that even the galra is under the protection of Voltron, as Lance has said.”

“I agree with Shiro. With our help, this war will end much faster.” Pidge said and Hunk nodded his agreement. Keith and Allura seemed to be the only ones reluctant to agree.

“I agree with both sides. Shiro has a point but so does Allura. Let’s not forget that Lotor is Zarkon’s son.” Keith spoke up.

“Hold up. You yourself are part galra but you’re not a bad person. You didn’t even know you were galra until like two minutes ago!” Lance glared in annoyance. He understood their reluctance to trust Lotor but hasn’t he proven himself by now?

“You don’t know Prince Lotor like we do. He took us in from a refugee planet. We had been starving and he saved us, liberated us, took us in and put our talents to use. We have been fighting against Zarkon longer than you have. We had our doubts about him but he proved himself worthy of our trust. And then Lance joined and brought us together like a family.” Acxa spoke up, defending her prince, her fellow comrades nodding their agreement.

“Okay, say we do help Lotor, how do we do it without starting a civil war?” Pidge asked.

“I will be bringing Voltron.” Lotor stated.

Allura glared. “That’s too risky.”

“Allura,” Shiro faced her. “When the galra lash out, the entire universe suffers. I understand your reservations, I really do, but if we can avoid a civil war, then we have to take that chance.” Shiro ended the argument, clearly telling her that they were going to help out whether she liked it or not. He turned around and began to leave the room.

“I’ll be right back,” Lance said quietly to Lotor and ran to catch up to Shiro. “Shiro! Wait up.”

Shiro stopped to face Lance and he saw that there was something wrong. “Are you alright? I noticed you’ve been different lately.”

“I don’t think so Lance…” Shiro’s eyebrows were furrowed. “I-I don’t feel like myself.”

“What do you mean?” Lance tilted his head.

“My head is… I don’t know… confused?” Shiro didn’t sound like he was too sure and Lance frowned.

“It’s all confusing.” Shiro shook his head, as if that could clear it.

Lance wasn’t sure how to help him. “It will all make sense soon. If you need to talk, come to me.”

Shiro nodded and gave Lance a thankful smile before walking off, no doubt to collect his thoughts.

Lance watched him walk away in concern. Something was off but he didn’t know what it was.

Lance let out a sigh and returned to the control room and walked right to Lotor, burying his face into his chest. Lotor wrapped his arms around him, giving him the comfort that Lance was seeking. “Stressed?” Lotor asked quietly so no one could overhear their conversation.

Lance nodded. “There’s something going on with Shiro, but I don’t know what it is.” Lance whispered quietly.

“We will keep an eye on him. I’ll let the girls know.” Lotor reassured Lance who nodded in appreciation.

“I want this to all be over. I want us to get married and see my mama.” Lance told him and stood on his toes to bury his face in Lotor’s neck, inhaling his scent.

“Soon, mi amor.” Lotor whispered fondly.

“Do you want to talk about Zarkon? I know you were blaming yourself.” Lance offered, pulling away with his arms wrapped out Lotor’s neck.

“No, Hunk reminded me that you will never blame me for getting injured, and that I shouldn’t blame myself either.” Lotor was glad he said those words because Lance beamed a bright, happy smile at him. “I’m lucky to have you Lance. I can’t imagine my life without you and I never want to. You are the best thing to happen to me.”

Lance blushed. “You and your sweet words, you big sap,” Lance took Lotor’s hand in his own hand and kissed his knuckles. “I will never leave you.”

“And I you.”

Chapter Text

“Warlord Ranveig, he is one of the fiercest galra in the empire. That is why my father sent him to the fringes of the universe. He will already have many factions pledging their allegiance.” Lotor said.

“Commander Gnov was one of Zarkon’s most trusted advisors. She will be working to merge the commanders in Zarkon’s inner circle. She isn’t as reckless as Warlong Ranveig, but she is just as cruel.” Lotor was giving details of the images on the screen. They were going to be contenders he had to fight.

“Quartermaster Janka, he oversees supply routes throughout the empire. His power is bureaucracy, don’t let him fool you. He shouldn’t be underestimated.” Lotor finished.

“Yeah, he always keeps popping up in my database. His supply management is astonishing, he totally color codes.” Pidge said.

“Hagar will most definitely be there. She isn’t eligible for the throne but she probably has a puppet already.” Lotor explained.

“If any of those people take the throne, Zarkon’s reign will continue.” Shiro said, still trying to convince Allura that they were doing the right thing. Coran would always stand with his Princess even if he knows she is in the wrong. Keith was getting on board with the idea.

“I still think it is risky.” Allura said, shaking her head.

“It is always going to be risky. Do you want the war to keep going? To have more and more planets be destroyed and people wiped out?” Lance asked her and she looked away. No. She didn’t want that. She just didn’t want to trust Lance or Lotor.

“My father was a cruel man. Those generals of his are just like him. They were raised in the empire and share Zarkon’s views. I too was raised to believe his views but unlike them, I got away from his influence.” Lotor told her. “It is a risk, Princess, but if we don’t take chances like this, we are cowards. Those suffering within the empire will keep on suffering if we don’t step in. I may not be the emperor you want and you may not like the way I run things, but I do not condone conquering planets against their will. I do not condone unnecessary cruelty.”

“The galra have forgotten the old ways and there will no doubt be civil wars among us, but overtime, we will forgo unjust punishments and cruelty.” Lotor finished and Lance squeezed his hand to reassure him.

“I will not help.” Allura finalized her answer.

“I understand.” No one could force her to help and no one could force them not to help.

Shiro shook his head and silence fell over everyone.

—-

“Through thirty-three rulers, during times of peace and times of expense, this flame has burned for over thirteen millennia. From our first, Brodar, to Vrig the Great, and longest and most powerful of them all, Zarkon. But his time has passed.” The archivist spoke just as the flame in the Kral Zera stopped burning, declaring that Zarkon’s rule was truly over.

Commanders and generals stood amongst each other, each having the same goal as they looked upon the Kral Zera. “Our next ruler, ascend the steps of destiny and relight the Kral Zera!” The archivist finished with open arms and silence fell over before a commander walked to the pit of purple flames, reaching for a torch.

“Only the strongest can lay their hands on a torch. I will assume command as I have been on the frontlines of the expanse, where iron meets souls, spreading glory for the empire.” He spoke confidently. “Where I do not sit on already conquered worlds, getting fat on the spoils of war of our forefathers.” He finished, holding the torch.

“Warlord Ranveig speaks the truth. That is why Sendak, the purest of the galra, should light the flame.” Haggar spoke coldly as Sendak stepped forward. “He was Zarkon’s right hand for millennia, and he would lead the empire for ten-thousand more years.” She grinned.

“Sendak?” Warlord Ranveig let out a barking laugh. “He who was hiding while the empire fell apart? He who needs a witch to speak on his behalf?” He taunted.

“Enough! Victory or Death!” Sendak snarled as he raised his new and improved arm.

“You will find out why Zarkon put me in the most dangerous territory in the universe.” Warlord Ranveig grinned, eager for a fight as he raised his weapons.

—-

Lance and Lotor had a moment alone while they were flying to planet Feyiv. “I would like you to rule the empire with me, by my side.” Lotor told Lance whose eyes had widened in surprise.

“What?” Lance breathed.

“We are planning on getting married on Earth and we have been in this war together the moment we met, why not end it together? Completely?” Lotor held Lance in his arms, his hands around his waist.

“Fight with me and light the flame with me.” Lotor whispered and Lance saw just how serious he was.

“You want me to rule with you? I don’t know how…” Lance furrowed his eyebrows.

“I will teach you.” Lotor reassured him. “I can’t do it without you.”

“How can I say no to that?” Lance smiled up at him. “I will always stay by your side, My Prince.”

Lance stood up to kiss Lotor deeply. Truthfully, he had already agreed at “I would like you” and despite his fear of being rejected or making mistakes, he knew Lotor would help him adjust.

Chapter Text

As Pidge and Hunk were arguing about whether or not to double-modulate, Pidge’s father came in asking for Shiro, but neither of them had seen him. He was leaving to return to Earth and inform the garrison about the war with Zarkon and the Empire, and wanted to check with Shiro to make sure he had all of his information correct.

“I’ll contact Allura,” Pidge told him and began typing away when her face popped up on the screen. “Hey Princess, have you seen Shiro?”

“Let me check,” she said and then panic washed over her. “He is gone and so is his lion.”

Pidge’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Where are Lance and Lotor?” Allura growled.

—-

Warlord Ranveig groaned in defeat as Sendak stood over him, tall and confident. “The empire is mine.” Sendak growled and marched to the pit of purple flames and grabbed a torch.

He ascended the steps and turned around. “I will strengthen the empire!” He shouted triumphantly from the top of the stairs, the Kral Zera behind him, ready to be lit once more.

“Stop!” Commander Tugg yelled and gained Sendak’s attention. “You will not light the torch without fighting my blades!” She yelled and charged at him. Sendak charged his arm and the blast it sent missed the woman.

Sendak narrowed his eyes and aimed once more as she came down on him, prepared to kill him but he had fired his arm just before she reached him, sending her flying down the stairs where she crumbled in defeat.

Seeing Sendak defeat two very formidable opponents had the other contenders hesitating.

Suddenly, the ground began to shake as a roar came from above, and much to everyone's shock, the Black Lion descended and landed, the force causing a powerful gust of wind that blew out Sendak’s torch.

The black lion's mouth opened to reveal Prince Lotor, Zarkon’s son and his generals, dressed proudly in their colors. They exited the black lion, their weapons in hand, ready for a fight.

“Your true emperor is here!” Lotor called proudly, his arms spread.

“You?” Sendak snarled. “What makes you think you can rule the empire?”

“My fathers blood is not just in my veins, but also my sword.” Lotor narrowed his eyes on Sendak, silently promising pain and death in the near future. If Sendak knew what was good for him, he would stand down.

“The emperor fell to me and anyone who stands in my way, will meet the same fate.” Lotor promised.

“You think treachery makes you qualified to lead us?” Sendak snarled as he raised his arm, ready for a fight.

“I will not light the flame for defeating my father but for doing something no one has been able to do.” Lotor stood proud. “He black lion has returned. Stand aside Sendak.” Lotor ordered but he knew Sendak would refuse.

“Time to prove yourself through the rite of combat!”

“Enough!” Haggar yelled. “You can not lead the empire. You yourself are not full galra, you have weak altean blood running through your veins from your altean mother.” She said coldly and Lotor’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

“Everyone here knows my lineage, that alone will not keep me from the throne. I shall prove myself worthy.” Lotor smirked. “I will be taking what is rightfully mine. I am lighting that flame and sending those who defy me to join my father!”

Lotor charged at Sendak who met him, their weapons clashing. They landed blow after blow, neither of them willing to back down. Lotor was an excellent swordsman and easily blocked Sendak’s sloppy and predictable attacks.

“You are nothing but Haggar’s pet,” Lotor snarled as he parried another attack. “I know who and what I am! I am a warrior!” Sendak sent Lotor back with the force of his arm and Lotor landed on both feet gracefully.

Lance watched the fight through his scope, waiting for the perfect moment. Lotor dodged when Sendak’s arm flew past him but he was hit and propelled upwards and fell onto his knees that would definitely hurt tomorrow.

“Lotor had betrayed us to Voltron! Fire on the black lion!” Sendak ordered and galra began to fire on the black lion, forcing Shiro to retreat. Instead, he focused on the ships scattered in the atmosphere.

Galran soldiers surrounded Lance but his girls had his back. They fought off the galra as he continued watching through his scope, trusting them to protect him.

All the lions were here as they fought the galran fleet above them and Sendak watched, rage filling him.

“Sendak!” Lotor roared, catching the man’s attention and before the man could even think to retreat, Lance fired, his bullet hitting him point blank in the head. Sendak crumbled to the ground and Lance grinned. “That’s for my back you fucker!” Lance yelled out.

Lance dropped his weapon and climbed up the stairs to stand by Lotor’s side, who was breathing heavily, trying to catch his breath. Lance reached for a torch in the pitch and handed it to Lotor. “You must light it on your own.” Lance told him, a bright, proud smile on his face and Lotor nodded.

They walked up the stairs where the Archivist awaited his new emperor. Lance remained on the stairs as he watched Lotor ascend the steps to his new destiny.

Lotor lit the Kral Zera, the purple flames burning brighter than ever. “The flame is lit, bow to your emperor.” The Archivist boomed and everyone bowed, except for voltron of course. Lance stood in front of Lotor and bowed himself.

“Should I call you my emperor now?”

Chapter Text

“This place is huge!” Pidge said as she walked into the throne room with the other while Lance and Lotor spoke to officers. “You know what to do,” Lance dismissed them and they quickly muttered ‘Vrepit Sa’ as they left. Lance let out a dramatic sigh as he fell into Lotor’s arms.

“I feel like Tyrion and you are Daenerys Targaryen.” Lance let out another dramatic sigh and heard his former teammates snickering.

“What?” Lotor’s brows were drawn in obvious confusion. Allura and Coran were just as confused.

“Mother of dragons… The hand of the queen…” Lance gave up. “I’m going to make you watch Game of Thrones.” Lance promised to Lotor.

“Are you saying you want a throne as well?” Lotor gave up trying to understand some of Lance’s references.

“Your lap is my throne,” Lance leered at him with a perverted grin. Lotor rolled his eyes and sat down on the throne and patted his lap. Lance happily sat down with a pleased expression. “Comfy.”

“Lance? Emperor Lotor?” Shiro called, unsure of how to address them.

“You may call me Lotor, we are friends after all.”

“You asked for us?” Allura reminded and Lance looked at her in confusion before he gasped and hopped from Lotor’s lap. “I remember!”

Lance turned to the sentires. “Bring it in.”

“Since there are many, many, planets that were enslaved by the empire, we decided to broadcast to the entire universe that they are free. We want you to be a part of it.” Lance smiled at them which quickly fell when one of the sentires tripped and the others fell like dominoes.

“Again? For fucks sake!” Lance let out an exasperated noise and turned to one of the commanders. “How do you manage them?” The commander simply shrugged, trying to hide his amusement.

A lot of those sworn to Lotor didn’t trust Lance at first but he quickly proved himself and they were growing fond of him. He was certainly amusing.

“Must I do everything?” Lance mumbled to himself and picked the equipment up and got it ready. “Let’s get this show on the road- er- galaxy?”
Lotor was walking to his throne and the paladins stood beside him on both sides, showing their support. Their colored armor let everyone know who they were and that they supported the new empire.

“When I tell you to start it, start.” Lance told one of the sentires as he scurried over to Lotor and sat on his lap, trying to get comfortable while also teasing his lover.

“Lance, I think it started when everything fell.” Pidge was trying to contain her laughter.

Lance groaned as his face fell into his hands. “Please start.”

“To those who were enslaved by the empire during Zarkon’s reign and even to those who weren’t, you are free. Zarkon is dead. I am the son of Zarkon and like many of those who were under his reign, I have suffered from his hand. That ends now. I am here to rebuild our universe to what it once was and unite us as one.” Lotor spoke confidently and sincerely.

“Voltron stands with the New Empire.” Shiro announced.

“If you wish to leave the empire, do so, but if you need help rebuilding, do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help.” Lance smiled brightly.

“Ok, turn it off now.” Lance said to the sentry but it just stood there. Lance let out a frustrated growl. “Alright, Pidge, I’m gonna need you to do something with them. I can’t take it anymore!” Lance hopped from Lotor’s lap and kicked the robot sentry as he turned the broadcast off. They were trying not to burst out laughing with it still on.

Lance grabbed Lotor’s sword and cut its head off. Honestly, they were so stupid.

“I’ll work on it,” Pidge said through her snickers.

“We’re going to head out!” Shiro called out as they began walking out of the throne room. Lance waved them off and turned to Lotor with a frown.

“Do you think my mom was watching?” Lance whispered as he buried his face into Lotor’s chest, taking comfort in his scent.

“Leave us.” Lotor ordered the remaining commanders. “I promise to take you home.”

“You’re really hot when you give orders, you know that?” Lance leered at him and Lotor snorted before leaning down to capture his lips.

Lance hummed happily.

Chapter Text

After months of long sleepless nights, the empire was starting to thrive. They gathered many allies and some of them were leaders of planets that were once enslaved. It took time for people to trust Lotor but he proved himself by sending supplies to planets in need of them. There were small rebellions but they were swiftly dealt with.

Someone they have yet to see is Haggar, which is concerning. The witch could be plotting against them.

Lance and Lotor were talking about their bonding ceremony for weeks. Lance couldn’t wait to go home. He even confided in Voltron, well, the humans for one since they also want to go home.

“Are you excited to see your family?” Hunk asked Lance excitedly.

“I am… I just hope I will actually be able to see them.” They were going to go to the garrisons when they arrived on Earth. They should be expecting them from Pidge’s father Sam. Hopefully they wouldn’t have to answer too many questions.

“We will.” Hunk tried to reassure him.

“Ready to wormhole?” Allura asked.

“Yup!” Lance chirped, buzzing with excitement. He couldn’t wait to see his family again.

They decided to travel together in the Castle of Lions to avoid startling the humans. It wouldn’t do them good to cause anyone panic and at least the castle didn’t look as threatening as Lotor’s cruisers. It was best for them to arrive as a united front.

They went through the wormhole and arrived at the Milky Way. They were descending upon the garrisons in no time and exited the castle to meet up with the familiar face of commander Iverson. Honestly, they were happy to see him too.

Pidge and Matt’s father were there waiting for them with a beautiful woman and the siblings took off to hug their parents. “Mom!” Pidge sobbed as she clutched onto her mother. Colleen had tears streaming down her face as she held onto Pidge.

When her husband returned and told her that their children were safe… She had been so elated and happy but now that her children were home, she couldn’t stop crying.

“You are all grown up,” she whispered and touched Matt’s cheek, her voice thick with emotion. “My babies.”

“Mom, I’ve missed you so much,” Colleen took off Pidge’s glasses to wipe her tears.

“I missed you too baby, I was so happy to hear that you were safe and look at you!” Colleen couldn’t be prouder of her children.

“It is good to see all of you.” Iverson said to his former students. By no means was he an emotional man but he cared for all of his students and comrades.

“This is Emperor Lotor,” Lance introduced. “He’s the reason we were able to come home.”

“Yes, Samuel told me everything that’s happened.” Iverson looked at Lotor in suspicion.

“You do not intend to attack earth?” Iverson asked Lotor with narrowed eyes.

“We didn’t trust him at first but Lance helped us see who he really was. He is an ally and a friend.” Shiro told Iverson sternly, knowing that he would trust his word. “It wasn’t safe for us to return while Zarkon still held the universe in his hand, but Emperor Lotor defeated him. We can’t guarantee that rebellions won’t try to attack Earth, but we are more than capable to defend you.”

“Rebellions?” Iverson asked in concern.

“There are many who do not approve of me being emperor.” Lotor finally spoke. “But my most trusted will keep eyes on the Milky Way should they plan an attack.”

“I understand you wish to see your families?” Iverson asked once he gave Lotor an approving nod. He didn’t trust him but he trusted Shiro’s words.

“Yes,” Lance grabbed Lotor’s hand nervously.

“You may go but please don’t cause a panic.” Iverson said. “Your families are safe, I assure you.”

“I can take them in the green lion. It can cloak itself and we don’t have to worry about anyone seeing us.” Pidge spoke up and Iverson nodded his approval.

“You have two days to be with your families but I expect to see you back here. The world should be informed.”

“Thank you,” Lance said genuinely and looked up at Lotor with a beaming smile.

“Do you want to come with us?” Lance turned to Allura and Coran.

“Go be with your family Lance, you can introduce us later.” Coran reassured him and let out a surprised noise when Lance suddenly hugged him.

“Thank you,” Lance whispered before yelling at Pidge to hurry.

“I’ll be back,” Pidge promised her mom and the woman gave her one more squeeze before letting her go.

—-

They arrived at Lance’s home in Cuba and Pidge dropped them off, giving Lance a reassuring hug before kicking them out of the lion.

Lance held Lotor’s hand as he stared at his family home. Now that he is here… he was scared. Would they hate him for being gone for so long?”

“From what you told me of your family, they will be so happy to see you.” Lotor reassured him and Lance took a deep breath before walking up the bath to his home. He was squeezing Lotor’s hand tightly and knocked on the front door.

The door opened revealing a tall man with tanned skin, dark brown straight hair, and green eyes. His eyes immediately widened in recognition.

“Lance?” He breathed out.

“It’s me Luis,” Lance pulled him into a tight hug, his emotions overwhelming him as he cried. “You’ve gotten so tall!”

“Ma! Ma! Come here!” Luis shouted and a beautiful woman with light brown curly hair and blue eyes rushed towards them. She was dressed in an apron and she had clearly been cooking from the delicious smell coming from the house.

“Lance?” She whispered with wide eyes. “Mijo?”

“It’s me mama,” Lance let out a sob when she embraced him.

"Te extrañé mi hijo.” She sobbed, showering her son with kisses.
(I missed you my son.)

"También te he echado de menos mamá, te quiero mucho. quería verte antes pero no pude," Lance cried as he clutched onto her. Her scent was the same as he remembered.
(I’ve missed you too mom, I love you very much. I wanted to see you before but I couldn’t.)

“What’s going on?” A voice called from the hall and Lance looked back to see his younger brother Marco.

“You’ve all grown up!” Lance cried out.

“Lancey?” Marco whispered and started to cry.

“It’s me, Marco.” He opened his arms and Marco practically slammed into him.

Lance laughed as he clutched his brother and his mother embraced all of them.

“Veronica is at the park with her friends but she will be home soon.” Lance’s mother reassured him. “Come, you must be hungry, tell us everything.”

She started to pull away but Lance grabbed her hand. “Ma…” he turned to Lotor and held out his hand. Lotor walked forward to take it. His mother let out a small gasp.

“This is Lotor… I love him mama.” Lance whispered and she looked between them.

“Lance has told me a lot about his family and he wasn’t wrong when he said he gets his good looks from his mother.” Lotor was as charming as ever and she let out an embarrassed laugh.

“T-thank you. It’s lovely to meet you, Lotor. I’m Rosalia, but you can call me mama.” Rosalia took one of Lance’s hands and one of Lotor’s and smiled at them both fondly. She looked down when she felt metal instead of flesh and saw that Lance’s arm was a metal one. She let out a horrified gasp.

“What happened?” She cried out.

“You have a metal arm?” Marco said in awe, completely unaware of his mother currently panicking.

Lance let out a nervous laugh. “Um, I got hurt and if not for Lotor, I would have died.”

Rosalia’s eyes widened and she turned to Lotor. “Thank you, for saving my son.”

Lotor cleared his throat and smiled uncomfortably. He wasn’t used to being thanked for anything and being looked at with such gratitude.

“We actually have some good news,” Lance squeezed Lotor’s hand.

Chapter Text

“Lance!” Veronica cried as she practically tackled Lance into a hug. “I’ve missed you so much!” She sobbed.

“Wait… Who’s the purple dude?” Veronica asked once she noticed Lotor standing there.

“That’s Lotor.” Lance snorted.

“If the purple bothers you, I can change.” Lotor’s skin shifted and his purple altean marks were showing on his light brown skin.

Lance smiled fondly and caressed the marks with his thumbs. “He is my… boyfriend? Soul mate?” It didn’t feel right calling Lotor his “boyfriend.”

“A wizard?!” Veronica shouted, her eyes wide.

Lance snorted. “No, he’s an alien from space you dork.” Lance rolled his eyes. “Where I have been all this time.”

“How big is space?” Marco jumped in excitement.

“Huge! It is endless!” Lance grinned at him. “I’ve met all kinds of different species and been to all kinds of different planets. There are thousands out there.”

“Can you take us one day?” Luis asked and his brother and sister were nodding along.

“Well, I suppose. It’s a lot safer than it has been the past few years. Once all of the rebellions are taken care of, we can take you to the ship.” Lance smiled at his siblings as they bounced in excitement, acting like little kids who

“The ship?” Marco tilted his head.

“Yeah it’s where we live.” Lance grinned.

“Come, let’s talk over food,” Rosa began to usher them into the kitchen. Tons of food was laid across the table and Rosa rushed to grab more plates to set on the table for Lance and Lotor.

“Where is Lya?” Lance asked as he sat down, grabbing food for himself and Lotor quickly.

“She is on her way home from work.” Rosa smiled.

Lotor looked adorably confused when Lance handed him a plate. “Gotta grab your food first or you miss out.” Lance winked.

They all watched as Lotor picked up his fork to take a bite and his eyes immediately widened. “This… is delicious.”

They all laughed. “Thank you son,” Rosa smiled happily.

“Mom’s food is the best.” Lance grinned proudly.

“Compared to the goo you had to eat at the castle, this is godly.” Lotor pointed out.

“True.” Lance took a bite and closed his eyes. His mothers cooking was something he had longed for. The taste of home.

The front door opened. “I’m home!” A woman shouted.

“We’re eating honey!” Rosa called.

“You’re eating without me?” She sounded confused. They never ate without her.

A woman entered the kitchen wearing a suit, fashionable heels, and had a tight bun. She froze when she saw Lance and let out a sharp exhale. “Lance?”

“Lya,” Lance stood up and she pulled him into a tight hug, crying as she held him close. She held his face in her hands and showered him with kisses.

“H-how are you here?” Her voice cracked.

“Sit down and eat, Lance will explain everything.” Rosa gave her a knowing smile and she sniffed, wiping her eyes as she took a seat. They left her food and she began to fill her plate.

“Wait, why is there a hot purple dude sitting with us?” Lya looked at her siblings when they started to giggle.

“He’s my… boyfriend.” Lance cringed saying it, causing his siblings to snort.

“I think I’m going to need an explanation.” Lya demanded and Lance began to tell his story and how he had met Lotor.

“He just appeared in the night? Kinda creepy if you ask me.” Lya commented and Lance rolled his eyes.

“It was a time of war and at the time, I was observing my enemies.” Lotor defended himself and Lance patted his arm. Now that he did think about it… it was kind of creepy but he could care less.

“He found their weakness and it was me,” Lance explained.

“You weren’t the weakness, they were. Once you were gone, they scrambled to make up for what they lost.” Lotor smirked smugly and Lance laughed, shaking his head.

Lance continued the tale of their journey leading up to present and paused to answer any questions they had. It was hard to imagine a war in space and because of that, Lance changed but he was still the same person if that made sense. They were concerned that he had to kill but it was either kill or be killed.

By the time Lance was done explaining they had finished their dinner and moved into the living room. They were all settled on the comfortable couches, sprawled out and relaxing.

“I’m happy that you’re safe and finally home.” Rosa smiled fondly at her son.

“I am happy, happier than I’ve ever been.” Lance turned to look at Lotor, taking his hand and squeezing it. Lotor leaned down to kiss his head. “I actually have some good news. We decided that we want to get bonded, which is basically getting married.”

Everyone gasped before squealing in excitement except for Rosa who looked a little apprehensive. Lance noticed and stood up, walking over and kneeling in front of her, taking her hands in his own.

“Mama, I know I’m young but Lotor means everything to me. If he never came into my life, I wouldn’t be here right now, with my family. He loves and takes good care of me, mama.” Lance leaned forward and kissed her cheek.

Rosa’s eyes watered. “You have always taken care of me and your siblings and I’m glad you have someone to take care of you now.”

Lance wiped her tears away, “Thank you mama.”

Before everyone could celebrate, a door slammed and man yelled, his words slurring.

“Rosa!” The man roared and everyone in the house flinched except for Lance and Lotor.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Lance hissed standing up, recognizing that voice.

A homeless looking man stumbled in the living room, blinking dumbly when he saw Lance and scoffed. “I thought you were dead, boy.”

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Lance said through his clenched teeth, barely keeping himself from launching himself at the man who called himself a father.

“I have come to see my family, obviously.” The man slurred with a cocky smirk.

“You’re a piece of shit and no one here considers you family, let alone a father. Leave or I’ll fucking make you.” Lance growled, hoping that Robert fucked up.

“You couldn’t hit back before,” Robert sneered.

“Out.” Lance’s voice came out calm and quiet but on the inside he was raging. He turned to his family. “Has he hurt any of you?” He was met with silence and that was enough for him to launch himself at his so-called father, grabbing him by the shirt and dragging him out of the house. His family followed behind him, their eyes wide as they watched Lance throw him off the porch.

“Lance! Stop!” Rosa tried, beginning to panic.

“He hurt you,” Lance hissed. “Did he hurt the twins?” He asked and when he was met with more silence, he lost it.

“You piece of fucking shit!” Lance yelled as he punched Robert right in the face, a crack resounded as his fist connected with his nose and everyone flinched. “That’s what it fucking feels like!”

“S-someone,” Robert choked, blood pouring from his nose, “had to take a beating.”

Lance saw red and threw punch after punch.

Rosa grabbed Lotor’s arm, eyes wide with fear and full of tears. “Stop him,” she begged.

Lotor rushed down the steps. “Lance!” He yelled out, his voice hard and stern. Lance paused for a moment and turned to look at Lotor, a wild look in his eyes.

“Why? This bastard hurt them because I wasn’t here.” His voice cracked and Lotor pulled Lance away, using his strength to forcefully remove him from his father.

“Look. Look at your mother.” Lotor whispered in his ear and Lance looked over, seeing how distraught she was and felt his anger and rage snap. He sagged against Lotor who easily held him up, suddenly feeling exhausted.

“Let’s go back inside.” Lotor kept his arm around Lance’s waist.

Lance nodded and began to walk back towards the house but stopped at his father. “If I see your face here again, I will kill you.” He hissed to the man who groaned before falling unconscious.

Lotor helped him back towards the house and Lance looked at his mother with guilt. “I’m sorry, mama.” He whispered.

Rosa managed a watery smile. “Don’t be sorry, you’ve always protected us.”

“He needs rest,” Lotor said as Lance started to fall asleep.

“I’ll take you to his room.” Rosa sniffled and Lotor picked Lance up, easily carrying him up the stairs to Lance’s bedroom. He gently set him on the bed.

“Lot’r?” Lance mumbled.

“Get some rest,” Lotor gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

“Come down with me so we can chat.” Rosa whispered and Lotor pulled away and quietly shut the door as he followed the woman back down stairs.

They sat on the couch with her other children joining, not as shaken up as their mother had been. “Is Lance okay?” They asked Lotor.

“We’ve been under a lot of stress and that took a lot out of him. He needs to rest.” Lotor told them calmly even if he was worried.

“Go get ready for bed, I want to speak with Lotor alone.” Rosa said to her children who nodded and obediently left the pair alone. Normally they would have protested but they went without question. That didn’t mean they weren’t going to listen in. If they happened to be crouched and huddled behind a wall… well they couldn’t be blamed really.

“I’m glad he has someone like you.” Rosa said softly.

“It is I who should be glad for someone like him.” Lotor said and she looked at him curiously, wanting him to elaborate.

“My own father was a terrible man. He considered me weak because of my impure blood. I did what I could to prove him wrong but after a few decades of disappointment, I gave up trying to get his approval. He has committed atrocities against me and innocents. I didn’t believe I could be redeemed for the things I had done.” Lotor explained, looking Rosa in the eye. He wouldn’t admit it but the woman was rather intimidating.

“Lance came into my life and proved that even a man like me could be forgiven. I couldn’t help but fall for him as he brought out the best in me, which I didn’t know existed.” Lotor smiled. “Galra mate for life and I never believed that I was capable of love. I didn’t think I was capable of entrusting my entire being to someone but he once again took on all of me and loved me for it.”

Rosa reached over and grabbed his hand. “I couldn’t stand against Robert and I feel guilty for allowing what he has done to my children.” She sniffed, tears gathering in her eyes.

“You are an unbelievably strong woman. You raised your children alone and they are all exceptional people. Lance is someone who takes care of those who don’t have the strength to take care of themselves.” Lotor squeezed her hand as she let out a sob. He pulled the woman in for a hug and despite his dislike for contact other than Lance, he found himself unbothered. It felt right.

Chapter Text

Even though they had two days with Lance’s family, it did wonders for both Lance and Lotor stress wise. The past few years for both of them have been… well stressful. They enjoyed spending most of their time at the beach, relaxing with Lance’s family who quickly became Lotor’s.

When the sun began to set, Lance would drag Lotor once again to the beach to relax and watch the sunset, occasionally their little relaxing session ended with sand in places that made them wonder how that got there…

However, they were needed back at the garrisons where they will be providing information and intel of their experiences and what they have seen and learned.

That alone took a few days but then they had to prepare for their announcement to earth who are unaware of alien life. It would most likely cause a panic but they were prepared for the back lash. Eventually, they will understand that not everyone is a threat. Not to mention they have both Voltron and the New Empire protecting earth and many more other planets.

Lance and Lotor decided to let Earth do their thing once they were finished with their business and finally take their family to space. They returned to Lance’s childhood home in their cruiser and picked up the large group of excited people, if not slightly nervous. They were going to space after all.

“SO COOL!” Lance’s siblings shouted as they stepped into the cruiser. They’ve never seen anything like it before and were asking a million questions about what did what.

“Don’t touch anything.” Lance warned his younger siblings that pouted. “You don’t want to accidently blow up the house do you?”

“Well… no.” The twins replied and Lance ruffled their hair.

“Sit down, going into hyperdrive for the first time can make you sick.” Lance warned them and they did so without protest.

“What is… hyperdrive?” Marco asked.

“Think of it as teleporting but in reality we are just going really fast.” Lance explained and he and Lotor called his generals who popped up onto the screen.

“Is everything ready?” Lotor asked.

“Yes sir, everything is prepared.” Acxa formally answered. “You both may want to get changed.”

“We will.” Lance answered before ending the call.

“Stay here and please don’t touch anything.” Lance and Lotor stepped out of the cockpit to quickly change into their armor before returning.

“Whoa! Why are you wearing that?” Marco’s eyes were wide.

“Ah, galra don’t really get casual clothes.” Lance explained as he and Lotor sat down to pilot the cruiser. They flew into the air and made their way out of the Earth’s atmosphere.

“But you’re not Galra.” Lyanna pointed out.

“True but I am one of Lotor’s generals and it would be disrespectful of me to act casually around him.” Lance explained.

“But you’re dating, does that not make a difference?” Rosa asked.

“Everyone knows Lotor and I are together but it’s important that we remain professional.”

“He says that…” Lotor trailed off with a grin.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Lance demanded playfully.

“Did you not sit on my lap the entire meeting with all the commanders I appointed?” Lotor raised an eyebrow at him and Lance’s siblings snickered behind them.

“Their reactions were hilarious! You’re not any better! You’re the one who yelled at them to leave because-” Lance cut himself off and cleared his throat. “I was testing them anyway.”

“Are we already in the sky?” Luis asked, changing the subject.

“Smooth right? Earth’s ships aren’t as smooth.” Lance grinned.

“Initiating hyperdrive.” Lotor warned before setting it off and his family all let out groans.

“You can get up now if you feel like it.” Lance told them and his mother and older sister remained seated looking rather queasy.

“Whoa!” The twins shouted seeing the massive ship ahead. “You live here?!”

Lance laughed as they flew into a hangar. “Come on,” Lance and Lotor led them out of the cruiser where there were four women waiting.

“Welcome back.” Acxa greeted while Zethrid walked over and pulled Lance into a crushing hug.

“Ack! Zethrid!” Lance tried pushing the woman who boomed with laughter.

“What? I’ve missed you little shrimp.” Zethrid grinned while Lance rolled his eyes before turning to his family.

“These beautiful ladies are Lotor’s generals. Zethrid, Axca, Narti, and Ezor.” Lance introduced. “And this is my mother Rosalia, my twin siblings Marco and Veronica, my brother Luis and my older sister Lyanna.”

“Hi, it’s lovely to meet all of you!” Ezor chirped and hugged each of them which they hugged back hesitantly.

“Good to have you back, Sir.” Acxa bowed to Lotor and he patted her shoulder.

“Come on, let’s show them around.” They began leading Lance’s family out of the hangar.

“Hey, when are we gonna spar?” Zethrid moved to walk beside Lance and his family.

“Later, I promise.” Lance winked and stuck his tongue out.

“Wait, how far are we from Earth?” Luis asked.

“We are just outside the Milky Way,” Lance told them as they neared the throne room where guards were lined up.

They bowed before opening the large doors. “Whoa!”

Lance’s family looked around the large room in awe as there were many trophies on display. Large skeletons of creatures that went extinct as well as weapons that were bigger than Marco and Veronica.

“Acxa, have there been any issues?” Lotor asked as they walked towards the command center.

Lance and Lotor spend most of their time here when it comes to work.

“None so far sir, but there have been tensions rising within our ranks. I expect some of your own men will rebel against your rule.” Acxa explained and Lotor sighed.

“I expected as much.”

“What would you like to do first? I can show you your rooms or the space mall, there’s always interesting things there.” Lance suggested but his mother looked rather weary.

“Let’s start with something small.” Rosa smiled tiredly.

“Your rooms it is then. I’ll take you there in a moment.”

“Contact the Castle of Lions.” Lotor ordered Acxa and the woman did as she was told.

Allura and Coran popped up on the screen, both looking exhausted.

“Lance and Emperor Lotor. I heard you left Earth with your family?” Allura spoke formally as usual.

“Yup, are you still on Earth?”

“Yes, Keith and Shiro showed us around your planet and took us to a place called… Mick Donald… I think it was called that.” Allura told him and Lance snorted.

“Did you like it?” Lance saw her make a face and he tried to hold back his laughter.

“It wasn’t terrible…. I liked the salty sticks.”

“You mean french fries?”

“Yes those, I liked them.” Coran nodded in agreement.

“Would you like to come and meet my family? My sister has never met a real princess before.” Lance winked and Allura grinned.

“We would love to. We will be there tomorrow.”

“Can we spar now?”

Chapter Text

“Zethrid, we can spar when my family isn’t here.” Lance told her and the woman growled in annoyance.

“I wanna see!” Marco raised his hand with Veronica and Luis nodding vigorously.

“Come on little shrimp, you heard the little man!” Zethrid boomed and grabbed Lance, throwing him over her shoulder and began walking towards the training room.

Behind them, Lotor sighed fondly. “Zethrid likes to spar with him because she always tries to beat him.”

“You’re saying Lance always wins against her?” Luis asked in disbelief.

Lotor chuckled. “Lance is a talented fighter. He is quick on his feet and stealthy. Zethrid on the other hand is loud and slow in comparison. That isn’t to say she isn’t talented as well, but she is used to fighting bigger and stronger opponents much like Lance.”

“Has she beaten him before?” Lyanna asked curiously.

“No, but there have been close calls. Those two don’t stop until the other gives in or I have to stop them.” Lotor smirked. “If I don’t, by the time they are done, everything around them is destroyed and they are beaten and bloody.”

“Really?”

“Zethrid can take a punch from Lance when he uses his arm so they typically go all out when they fight.”

They arrived at the training room and Lotor had them close to the wall.

“Alright, any weapons? Knife, sword, gun?” Lance was doing some light stretches. “Or do you want to use our fists?” Lance’s grin was bloodthirsty which Zethrid returned.

“Fists.” Zethrid agreed and parted her legs and pulled her fists up.

Lance shook out his arms before taking his own stance. They stared at each other before Lance moved first, darting towards her incredibly fast. Zethrid threw her arms up to block her face and Lance used his prosthetic arm to punch her in the gut.

Zethrid grunted and threw a punch that Lance managed to dodge but the next one got him. “It’s been a while,” Lance got his arms up and started to swiftly dodge her punches, getting in a rhythm.

Lance caught her fist with his hand and rammed into her, making her stumble backwards but she wasn’t able to dodge fast enough with his series of punches. Zethrid grunted and swung her arm, hitting him right in the face and sending him to the floor.

His mother and siblings all gasped but he sprung right back up. “Don’t worry, Lance heals fast.” Ezor reassured them but it wasn’t exactly reassuring to them.

“That hurt, Zethrid,” Lance grinned and charged at her.

“Watch.” Lotor’s eyes were trained on Lance who was charging at Zethrid, which looked like he was about to take her head on. Zethrid parted her legs, prepared for him to crash into her but he slid right under her legs, twisting his body to stand up quickly before jumping onto her back.

He threw his body towards the ground, taking Zethrid with him but before they hit the ground, Lance slipped out from under the woman and she fell to the floor, causing the room to shake with her impact.

Zethrid groaned. “I yield.”

Lance laughed and helped her up. “I’ve never seen you do that before.” Zethrid wiped her brow of sweat.

“Well, I’ve done it on the training bot on the castle,” Lance explained with a shrug.

“Sorry for hitting you.” Zethrid patted him on the back.

“You’ve hit harder,” They grinned at each other.

“My turn!” Ezor bounced over, shooing Zethrid away.

“I’m still recovering,” Lance winced dramatically and she elbowed him right in the gut causing him to bend over.

“Fine, but let’s make a bet,” Lance said once he caught his breath.

“Okay, what do you want?” Ezor crossed her arms.

“Whoever wins, gets to dress Acxa up.” Lance grinned when Ezor’s eyes darkened. This was now a serious fight.

“Deal.” Ezor charged at him and they fell to the ground, one trying to pin the other.

“Damn your galra strength,” Lance managed to break free and rolled away but as soon as he stood up, a knife whizzed right past his head.

“You cheater!” Lance dodged her swings until he managed to reach his bayard, transforming it into his own dagger.

“Does he always win against her too?” Luis asked with wide eyes as their fight was more intense than his and Zethrid’s.

“No, they don’t play around when they fight. More often than not, I am patching up Lance afterwards.” Lotor leaned forward.

“Do they fight like this all the time?” Rosa asked in concern.

“We trained a lot when Lance joined but now it’s for fun rather than to improve.” Lotor explained as they swung and dodged each other's attacks.

“Ezor has the advantage though.” Zethrid piped in.

“Why?” Lya asked but just as she finished her question, Ezor went invisible.

“Woah!” Marco cried out.

Lance gripped his knife tighter and listened out for any sort of noise when he heard a clap. He whipped his head around and Ezor reappeared next to him and swiped her leg to knock him over. She pinned him down, her foot on his wrist and with her dagger pressed against his neck. His own dagger fell to the ground with a clank.

“You win.” Lance yielded and Ezor squealed excitedly and skipped over to Acxa.

“No, I’m not letting you dress me up.” Acxa folded her arms over her chest and Ezor pouted.

“I just fought for you,” Ezor leered at her girlfriend who gave her an unimpressed look.

“My answer is no.”

While the pair began bickering, Lance felt something brush against his leg when he stood up and looked down to see Kova rubbing against his leg.

“Lance,” Narti said in his mind and he turned his attention to his fellow general.

“What is it?” Lance asked quietly and bent down to pick Kova up who began to purr while he petted his head.

“It’s Haggar. She’s close and planning something. I don’t know how but she managed to get in my head but I was able to fight her off but ever since I could feel her.” Narti explained and Lance frowned.

“Do you think she will attack us?” Lance asked in his mind to keep their conversation private.

“I’m not sure… she is angry and confused. She thinks about Emperor Lotor often.”

Lance’s eyebrows raised up. “How so?”

“It’s not… hatred but… a kind of motherly feeling? It’s hard to explain.” Narti’s tail was waving around as she spoke with him and he bit his bottom lip in thought.

“Lotor told me about his mother, Honerva. Do you think she is Haggar?” Lance ran the possibilities in his head and it didn’t seem entirely impossible.

“I don’t know but I think we should keep an eye out in case she tries something.” Narti finished and Lance nodded before setting Kova down and joining the others.

“Lance! That was so cool! Can you teach me?!” Marco bounced excitedly and Lance let out a huff and ruffled his hair.

“Maybe one day.” Lance grinned before turning to Lotor who noticed his tense posture and frowned.

“What’s wrong?” Lotor’s eyes flickered to Narti before going back to Lance.

“Haggar.” Lance saw Lotor’s jaw clench and Lance grabbed his hand. “That’s not all…”

“Is she going to attack us?” Lotor asked and everyone around them went quiet while his generals tensed and sobered up from their playful banter.

“Maybe but Narti is connected to her somehow,” Lance explained, gesturing to the woman who watched through Kova’s eyes. “Haggar is apparently feeling confused and thinks of you often.”

Lotor’s eyes narrowed. “Does she want revenge?”

“Lotor…” Lance wasn’t sure if he should bring this up but if it were possible… “You said your mother died giving birth to you, right?”

Lotor’s expression hardened. “That’s what my father told me. Where are you going with this?”

“I think Haggar might be your mother.” Lance finally said and Lotor wrenched his hand free with a wild look in his eyes.

“Impossible.” Lotor snarled but Lance wasn’t afraid from his anger. “If she did survive, she would have died from old age.”

“Not if she was consumed by quintessence. I think she lost her memory and now she’s started to remember, that’s why she is so confused and thinks about you.” Lance explained and it started to make more and more sense.

“You told me she is altean, right?” Lance watched as realization dawned on Lotor and the man stumbled. Lance shot forward to help him stay on his feet.

“Acxa, can you take them to their rooms?” Lance turned to the woman who nodded and began to lead his family out who shot him concerned looks. Lance tried to smile reassuringly but his focus was back on Lotor who let out a growl.

“Lance- what if- what if she is my mother?” Lotor’s eyes were wide and Lance pulled his hand to his lips to kiss gently.

“Then we will find out.” Lance smiled reassuringly. “Right now, it’s only a suspicion so until we know more, we should stay on our toes in case she does attack us. I could be wrong.”

Lotor let out a shaky exhale and ran his hand through his hair. “It does make sense. My mother was obsessed with quintessence.”

“Let’s go to our room, okay? Let me take your mind off of everything and tomorrow, we can get started on tracking her down.” Lance hated seeing Lotor so stressed and the man nodded, allowing Lance to lead them back to their room.

“I’ll start the bath,” Lance smiled and let go of Lotor’s hands to start running the water, adding calming scents before getting Lotor.

“I gave up on having a family a long time ago,” Lotor whispered as Lance helped him undress. “Then I met you and I realized what loving someone felt like… and your family… I felt jealous when I saw how much love your mother has for you.”

Lance’s heart ached for his lover and pulled him down for a gentle kiss. “I am so sorry you didn’t have someone to love and protect you, but I’m here now. My mother has enough love in her heart for everyone, including you, who plans to marry her son.”

Lotor smiled weakly. “I know but…”

“She’s not your mother, I know.” Lance pulled him into the water and joined him after quickly stripping.

“If Haggar is really my mother… that means she didn’t even recognize her own son getting beaten down by her husband.” Lotor buried his face into Lance’s neck. “I don’t know how I should feel. Haggar has always been someone who terrified me when I was younger.”

“You don’t have to give her a chance.” Lance whispered and Lotor looked up at him, understanding what he meant.

“A part of me is angry but another part of me also understands… if she lost her memory, then it makes sense.” Lotor tried to rationalize and Lance kissed his forehead.

“We don’t know the full story. If Haggar is actually Honerva, did you want to try and talk to her?” Lance watched Lotor’s expression and the man let out a sigh.

“I want to try.”

Lance smiled. “Then let’s do that.”

“You would you help me? I know that you have some history with her.” Lotor’s eyes glanced at his arm.

“Of course I will help you, I love you.” Lance kissed him which Lotor quickly deepened causing the former paladin to let out a soft groan.

“You’re perfect,” Lotor said against his lips and Lance laughed breathlessly as he settled himself over Lotor’s lap.

Lance began to kiss and suck at Lotor’s neck, occasionally taking the flesh in between his teeth to bite lightly, causing the man to let out a groan.

“I want you,” Lotor whispered huskily and Lance’s skin prickled.

“Take me now,” Lance bit Lotor’s bottom lip as he shifted his hips forward to drag his bottom against Lotor’s erection.

“Do you want me to use my fingers first?” Lotor said through heavy breaths and Lance shook his head.

“I want to feel you… the pain, the pleasure, everything.” Lance rose, causing the water to splash around in the tub but he ignored it in favor of guiding Lotor’s cock inside of him.

“Fuck,” Lance cursed from the stinging pain as Lotor’s dick forcefully stretched him open. He was still pretty loose from last time but Lotor was massive.

Lotor’s head fell back against the edge of the tub. “You’re so tight,” he moaned as Lance continued to force him inside, his tight heat squeezing around him so tightly that it was almost painful.

“Do I feel good?” Lance asked shakily and let out a sigh of relief when he finally had the man fully sheathed inside of him.

“Yes, yes, you feel so good.” Lotor grabbed his hips in a bruising grip and his lover began to roll his hips before slightly raising them before going back down.

Lance moaned Lotor’s name and he threw his head back, his hands clutching to Lotor’s shoulders, his nails digging painfully into the skin, but neither of them minded.

Their love making was slow and torturous but neither felt the need to rush towards their climax. It was enough to feel one another so intimately and these were the moments they cherished.

Chapter Text

“Lancey!” A voice shouted into the throne room and Lance, Lotor, and several others turned to look at the large group that was being led by Zethrid.

“They were going crazy, locked in their room.” Zethrid told him and the twins grinned unapologetically.

“Sorry for cutting the day short yesterday. Did you sleep well?” Lance asked when his family reached them, noticing the looks of disgust on the commanders who were still present.

“You’re dismissed.” Lance said sharply and seeing the look of hate in one of the commanders eyes was enough to alert Lance. The other commanders began to shuffle out but that one remained.

“Zrolax, you’ve been given an order.” Lotor’s eyes were narrowed, his hand resting on his sword on his hip.

“I don’t take orders from weaklings!” The man roared, finally having had enough. “You surround yourself with weaklings, Emperor! And now there’s more? I will not have it!”

“Lance is my general and my mate, you will show him the proper respect.” Lotor growled dangerously and the man hesitated but he would not have it.

“Zethrid!” Lance snapped and the hybrid ushered his family away from them to keep them out of the inevitable fight.

“Treason is punishable by death.” Lotor drew his sword and the commander grabbed his axe from his back.

“Victory or death!” The commander roared and charged at Lance who calmly transformed his bayard into a spear and jumped back to avoid the swinging axe. Lotor caught it with his sword, his face drawn in concentration and Lance whipped his spear upwards and sliced through the Commanders arm, sending both hand and axe to the floor.

The commander screamed but reached for his axe with his other hand but Lotor stopped him by pressing his sword to his throat. Lance used the opportunity to stab his spear into the commander's remaining hand, the blade going through both hand and metal flooring, effectively pinning the man down.

“Lance!”

Lance remained glaring down at the commander, even after hearing his mother’s panicked scream. “Zethrid, get them out of here!”

“Come on, you don’t need to see this,” Zethrid said as gently as she could while guiding them from the room, occasionally glancing back to make sure the commander didn’t try anything. “The little shrimp can take care of himself.”

Once they were out of the throne room, Lance twisted his spear and the man let out an ear piercing scream. “You call me weak and yet here you are, on your knees.”

Zrolax snarled at him.

Lance looked up to Lotor and nodded his head before yanking his spear from the commander's hand. Before he could even think of reaching for his axe, Lotor was already lifting his sword and he swiftly brought it down to the man’s neck and his head was cleanly cut from his body.

“You alright?” Lotor asked and Lance nodded before retracting his bayard and reattaching it to his hip.

“I’m surprised he lasted this long.” Lance grinned.

Lotor snorted. "Does that mean I won the bet?”

Lance rolled his eyes. “Yes, you won. Come on.”

The pair made their way out of the throne room, leaving the body behind and Lance’s mother was the first to crash into him. “Were you hurt?”

“No, mama, I’m okay.” Lance smiled and she let out a sigh of relief.

“What happened?” Marco asked, his eyes wide and Lance pulled him in for a hug and Veronica quickly joined.

“I’m sorry you were scared. There is still some uneasiness around here and we knew he was going to snap sooner or later.” Lance kissed their heads.

“Is it because of us? Did you… kill him?” Luis nervously fiddled with his shirt while worrying his bottom lip.

“No, it wasn’t you. He had a problem with me from day one.” Lance knew they had been scared but he wasn’t sure how he could comfort them. “And yes, he is dead.”

“Why did you have to kill him?” Lyanna asked.

“There are still many who don’t approve of my becoming Emperor. If we imprisoned all of the traitors, then they would have nothing to fear if they betrayed us.” Lotor explained. “He was one of my father’s supporters but we had given him a chance to prove his loyalty and he failed.”

Lance felt relieved that Lotor explained and he let out a sigh. “Unfortunately, mostly everyone here reacts to fear better than compassion. If we don’t use fear, we are seen as weak, and if they think their Emperor is weak, someone would start a rebellion to take over the throne.”

“I understand if you want to go back to earth, I know it’s a lot…” Lance didn’t think that this many things could go wrong while his family was visiting.

“It’s kind of like Game of Thrones,” Lyanna muttered and Lance snorted while Lotor looked confused by that reference.

“Zethrid said that this happened a lot.” Rosa was frowning. “You’re always in danger, aren’t you?”

“It comes with the job,” Lance tried to ease the tension by grinning but his mother didn’t seem to want to drop it. “It doesn’t happen as often anymore but Narti is really good at detecting potential traitors and the other girls are always here too.”

“I guess convincing you to come back home won’t work?” Rosa let out a resigned sigh when Lance smiled at her apologetically.

“A lot has changed mama, it used to be worse. We are helping so many planets recover from Zarkon’s reign. You have no idea how close Earth was to being destroyed or worse, enslaved.” Lance explained and her eyes widened.

“I know that you’re worried I’ll get hurt but I can’t walk away, not now.” Lance fidgeted under his mothers intense stare before she walked over and hugged him.

“I’m so proud of you.” Rosa whispered and Lance felt his eyes burning. “I’m proud of you too, Lotor.”

Lotor’s eyes widened in surprise when he was dragged in for a hug too. “Why?”

“Because I know Lance can be a piece of work,” Rosa grinned when Lance let out a choked sound and Lotor laughed.

“I’ll keep him safe.” Lotor kissed the woman’s hand and she nodded in approval.

“Good, now, didn’t you promise to show us a planet?” Rosa crossed her arms and looked at Lance expectantly.

“Oh right! Are you sure you still want to go?” Lance knew that this incident made his family uneasy but the way they quickly perked up and looked excited, made him wonder if he was the crazy one.

“Yeah! Let’s go!” Marco whooped.

“Yeah, I'm not leaving until I see another planet and more aliens.” Lyanna agreed with a firm nod.

Lance let out a groan, causing his siblings to snicker.

“Alright, I’ve already let Shay know to expect visitors.” Lance gave in and they all let out whoops of excitement.

——

“Woah! Those crystals are HUGE!” Marco exclaimed with wide eyes and they walked around.

“Hey Lance!” Shay ran over to them, ignoring the stares from his family.

“Hey, how have you been?” Lance asked and the girl smiled.

“We’ve been good! With the empire's help, we have started sending out supplies to other nearby planets.” Shay told him enthusiastically. “Is Hunk coming?”

Lance smiled at the girl knowingly. “No, he’s back on Earth with his family but I’ll let him know you miss him.”

Shay blushed lightly. “Is this your family?”

“Yup.” Lance introduced them and explained how he and Shay met.

Marco began spewing out questions left and right and Shay looked at him in concern.

“Marco, slow down.” Lance rubbed his temples helplessly when his younger brother grinned sheepishly.

“Uh, Lance, was anyone else coming?” Shay asked, her eyes drawn up to the sky and Lance looked up.

“Shit,” Lance cursed seeing the familiar ship and beside him, Lotor tensed.

“Ezor and Acxa, escort them somewhere safe.” Lotor ordered.

“I’m sorry,” Lance apologized to his family and Shay. “Just stay hidden, okay?”

They nodded and began following Ezor and Acxa while Zethrid, Narti, Lance, and Lotor all watched the ship land across from them.

Haggar exited the ship, her hand raised and ready to attack, a small army behind her.

“Haggar, why are you here?” Lotor asked calmly and the witch faltered for a moment before sneering.

“You killed my Emperor! You are not fit to rule!” Haggar hissed.

“You mean your son?” Lance called out and the woman flinched, confirming his suspicions.

The woman snarled and shot a bolt of black lightning at him, forcing him to his knees. He bit his lip to keep himself from screaming as his body twitched from the pain.

“Do you remember who you are, Honerva?” Lance yelled, his voice wavering slightly but she was poised, ready to strike like a snake.

“She died long ago!” Haggar hit him again and Lance couldn’t hold back his scream this time but he forced himself to stand up, his hand coming to rest on Lotor’s who was tensed, ready to attack.

“Let me… handle this.” Lance told him and Lotor nodded stiffly.

“You forgot who you were, Honerva!” Lance shouted back at her. “Don’t you recognize your son?!” He gestured to Lotor who had his sword drawn.

“Stop!” The woman screamed.

“I will not stop! He thought you died giving birth to him and he grew up without a mother! Without you!” Lance stepped forward and she was ready to strike again.

“Stop!” She roared again.

“Why? Are you afraid to remember your son?!”

“Shut up!”

“You can fight us now or you can remember who you were! A son will always need his mother!” Lance was ready to fight as he wasn’t sure what she was going to do but she was clearly cracking.

The woman let out a scream and fell to her knees, clutching her head.

“I can’t-“ the woman choked. “It hurts!”

“How do you think Lotor has felt all these years?” Lance was slowly moving closer to her, keeping his eyes on the army behind her but they didn’t dare move without her orders.

The woman let out a sob. “My son…”

Lance fell to his knees beside her. “I’ve always needed my mother, Honerva. Lotor is willing to give you a chance if you let him.”

The woman’s hood fell back and she looked up, her eyes wide and haunted as tears poured down her face. Her gaze shifted to Lotor who remained tense and rigid.

“I am so sorry,” Honerva whispered brokenly before she wiped her eyes and stood up to turn to her army. “Prince Lotor is your Emperor, you will obey him or face my wrath.”

“You’re weak, witch.” One of them spoke but Lance’s spear cut right through his throat and he fell down to the ground, choking on his own blood before going limp.

The others bowed before marching towards Lotor to stand behind him.

“Are you okay, Honerva?” Lance asked gently and the woman nodded and shakily made her way to Lotor.

“My son…” she whispered and Lance watched as his lover deflated. “I am so sorry.”

Honerva collapsed as soon as she reached Lotor and he caught her before she hit the ground.

Lance ran over and let out a relieved breath when she was still breathing. “I think she remembers everything.”

Lotor nodded numbly, looking down at the woman in his arms who was his mother.

Her skin wasn’t galran purple anymore but rather a sickly tan, her face and body gaunt. Her red altean markings were glowing faintly and her dusty purple hair was tangled.

“We should get her back.” Lance said and Lotor nodded again.

“Acxa, it’s safe.” Lance said into the comms and got a confirmed reply and his family, including Shay and several other Balmerans emerged from the village.

“I’m sorry for the scare.” Lance apologized to Shay and the other Balmerans.

“It’s okay, Lance.” Shay smiled and noticed him occasionally twitching. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah… just got shocked by some druid magic.” Lance played it off with a chuckle, keeping a grimace off his face but in reality, his entire body was aching and every step felt like his limbs were on fire.

“What happened?” Rosa asked in concern, her eyes taking in the small army that suddenly appeared and the woman in Lotor’s arms.

“It’s a long story, I’ll explain on the way back. Honerva needs to see a healer.” Lance glanced at Lotor who was still out of it. “Sorry that this happened again.”

“It’s okay, Lance.” Luis patted his shoulder and Lance had to bite his tongue to keep himself from moaning from pain.

“Let’s head back and have a big meal.” Lance grinned and after giving orders to the army to follow them back, they got back into the ship with Lance piloting.

Lance explained what happened and finally drew Lotor out of his daze when they arrived back at the main ship. “I’ll take her to the healers and join you.”

Lance smiled at him and nodded before taking his family to a dining room. “Hopefully things will calm down now.”

Lance sat down with a groan and got worried looks from his family.

“You sure you don’t need to see the healers too, little shrimp?” Zethrid asked in concern and Lance waved her off with a smile.

“Did you get hurt?” Rosa asked, immediately going over to her son to fret over him and Lance whined.

“Mom!”

His siblings snickered and until she determined he was fine on the outside, she reluctantly sat back down.

“Just a bit of druid magic,” Lance grimaced.

“Yeah, it looked like it hurt, I’m surprised you’re still standing,” Zethrid patted his back a little too hard and he shot her a glare that made her cackle.

“You’re lucky I heal fast,” He hissed at her and she snickered.

“Was that Lotor’s mother?” Rosa asked curiously and Lance nodded.

“We only recently found out but… she was the one who gave me this arm.” Lance tapped his metal fingers on the table. “I think she lost her memories centuries ago…”

“Is she a bad person?” Rosa wondered, a thoughtful expression on her face.

“As Haggar, yes, but as Honerva, I have no idea. She was so young when she had Lotor.” Lance sighed, resting his cheek on his hand. “There’s a lot of history there and I don’t know if he will be able to forgive her or if she can even forgive herself.”

“Does she need help?” Rosa offered and Lance blinked at her before grinning.

“Mama, can you help her?” Lance asked and his mother put her hands up and shook her head.

“I have no idea what I could do for her…” Rosa murmured but she didn’t outright refuse. “I know a woman back home who had her daughter at a young age and she… well she had given her daughter up for adoption.”

“She always regretted it but she wasn’t ready to be a mother back then but when her daughter found her years later, she felt she was ready even if her daughter was already grown up. Her daughter accepted that and now they’re really close.” Rosa explained and Lance grew hopeful.

“I know it’s a lot to ask but I think she could really use someone like you who loves all of her children unconditionally.” Lance smiled brightly at his mom who returned the smile fondly.

“I can try.”

“That’s all I’m asking.”

The door opened and Lance hopped up to go to Lotor who looked shaken up. “How is she?”

“The healer said she is physically weak and malnourished. She doesn’t know about her mental state as of yet but says that Hag- Honerva will probably sleep for a while.” Lotor explained and Lance nodded.

“How are you?” Lance grabbed his hand and felt that Lotor was shaking.

“I- I don’t know how to feel.” Lotor admitted quietly and Lance pulled him down for a hug, wrapping his arms around his lover tightly. “I want to talk to her…”

“She needs time,” Lance whispered, running his fingers to Lotor’s hair to comfort him. “We will help her.”

“I love you…” Lotor hung onto him desperately and Lance pulled away to lightly kiss him.

“Are you hurt? I’m sorry I was so out of it.” Lotor ran his hands over Lance, his eyebrows furrowed in worry.

“I’m feeling better already, don’t worry about it.” Lance smiled reassuringly and led him over to the table just as food was being brought out. “I’m hungry, let’s eat.”

The tension easily faded away as everyone ate and talked, mostly his siblings talking about how cool Balmera was and how they wanted to see other planets.

“The food isn’t that bad,” Luis muttered.

“It’s weird, right? We can’t grow any produce here but we manage.” Lance grinned, taking a bite of the weird food he has grown to like.

“So, how do you want your wedding? I brought some catalogs you can look through.” Rosa brought up all of a sudden and Lance sputtered, his cheeks going red.

“W-well, I don’t want anything crazy!” Lance looked to Lotor for help who snorted behind his hand.

“Actually, there’s something I want to show you.” Lotor grabbed Lance’s hand. “And there is someone I want you to meet.”

Lance gasped dramatically. “Don’t tell me you have a random child somewhere!”

Lotor looked horrified and Lance quickly tried to reassure him that he was joking. Lance’s siblings snickered and Lance shot them a glare.

“What is it?” Lance asked curiously.

Lotor pressed a finger to his lips and winked. “It’s a surprise.”

Lance let out a groan and his head hit the table. “Fine… fine.”

Lotor patted his hand knowingly. “How about we head to the space mall?”

Lance perked up and grinned. “Yeah! There’s all sorts of cool things there! How about it? Do you guys want to go?”

“Yes!” Marco and Veronica shouted excitedly.

“I’m down,” Lyanna shrugged and Luis nodded his agreement.

“Mama?”

“I would love to,” Rosa smiled and Lance hopped up.

“Let’s get changed, you coming with us ladies?” Lance asked his fellow generals.

“We won’t miss this!” Zethrid boomed, making Lance laugh.

“Yeah maybe we can find something cute for you to wear for your bonding,” Ezor grinned, sliding up next to him and locking arms. “Something white for sure.”

“Does that mean Lotor is going to wear red?” Lance wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

“Red isn’t my color.” Lotor looked away to avoid Lance’s leer.

“Aww, but isn’t it a galran tradition?” Lance whined.

“Let’s do something from Earth instead,” Lotor offered and Lance could feel himself falling in love all over again.

Lance broke from Ezor to jump onto Lotor and kissed every inch of his face.

“Ew, get a room.” Marco whined but Lance ignored him.

“How about a little red? Just a tiny bit?” Lance said as he kissed Lotor’s nose.

“It’ll have to be a surprise.” Rosa said sternly. “You won’t be able to see each other anyways!”

“Mama!” Lance whined and Lotor shut him up with a kiss.

“Come on, let's get changed.” Lotor picked him up and threw Lance over his shoulder.

“Ezor! Stay with them until we get back!” Lance shouted over Lotor’s shoulder.

“Knowing you two, you’re gonna get distracted!” Ezor shouted back with a grin.

“Ezor!” Lance screeched before they rounded a corner and he could hear laughter from behind him and he smiled fondly, feeling beyond happy.

Chapter Text

“I figured I could contact the tailor.” Lotor said as they walked through the mall, still talking about their wedding.

“Didn’t he dress us up for that stupid gala?” Lance asked, remembering how pointless that gala had been in terms of politics but he did look damn good, Lotor especially. Lance could hardly keep his hands on his lover dressed like that…

“Actually, yes, contact him because you looked hot as fuck at the party,” Lance grinned then grunted when the back of his head was smacked.

“Language!” Rosa chided and Lance smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

“Can we go off on our own?” Luis asked curiously.

“You shouldn’t. There are space pirates here and they’re not fun to deal with.” Lance grimaced remembering the last time he had to deal with space pirates.

“What happened?” Marco eagerly asked.

“Well, Coran had thought it would be a good idea if we dressed up as space pirates and it didn’t go all that well…” Lance grinned. “We got a cow here too, made milkshakes and everything. I also dived into a wishing fountain to buy a game from earth.”

“When did all of that happen?” Lyanna asked, her face scrunched up thinking about all the chaos her younger brother got into.

“When I was still with Voltron.” Despite how things turned out with his former teammates, they did still have some good times.

“If you want to go off on your own, take one of the girls with you. I’m gonna go get a few things.” Lance pulled Lotor down to whisper in his ear. “I’m going to that store, did you have anything in mind?”

Lotor visibly swallowed. “How about… a collar and leash?”

Lance’s skin prickled at the thought and he nodded eagerly, ideas flashing in his mind.

“Come with me Lotor,” Rosa linked her arm around his, giving Lance a knowing look before dragging his lover away.

Lance split off and made his way towards the less populated area of the mall and entered the shop that they didn’t go to nearly as often as he would like.

Lance looked around at all the items such as rope, dildos, vibratos, cuffs and all sorts of other kinky things.

When he reached the collars, he felt each one until he settled on a black leather one that felt nice on his skin before finding a matching leash. Lance also got a few… other items he wanted to try on Lotor and himself.

Lance was glad for the unlabeled bag and visited other stores to get other things, such as more shampoo and skin care products.

Normally, they would order things from Togo’s, which was basically space’s amazon, but he was already here and he might as well get a few things.

After an hour, Lance looked for his family who were at a restaurant eating sweets, Marco and Veronica chatting with big grins on their faces, Veronica petting Kova who sat on her lap and Narti standing not too far away from them.

Lyanna was with Zethird, talking about something that they were both focused on. Luis was with Acxa and Ezor, his face red and he could guess that Ezor had been teasing him.

Lotor and his mother were talking and when he approached them, Rosa gave him a big smile. “I approve of your man, Lance, he is amazing.”

Lance looked at Lotor for an explanation but the man kept his mouth shut, his lips twitching.

“Don’t look at him like that, I wasn’t telling him much…” Rosa smacked his arm lightly, a teasing grin on her face.

“Mama!” Lance whined, even more curious as to what his mother was telling Lotor.

Lance tried convincing Lotor to tell him but his lover refused and Lance pouted before yanking the pastry out of his hands and hopping up.

“I’ll just have this then,” Lance grinned, taking a bite and when Lotor got up to snatch it back, he ran away.

Lotor chased after him and strong arms wrapped around his middle, making Lance break into a fit of giggles. Lotor attacked his neck and face with persistent kisses and Lance tried pushing him away but the man refused to let him go.

“Sharing is caring, Lance,” Lotor smirked before capturing his lips in a hungry kiss.

Lotor’s tongue invaded his mouth and Lance let out a weak moan. “The bag seemed pretty heavy, what else did you get?”

Lance’s fingers dug into Lotor’s hair as his lips attacked his neck. “Just some- ah- Lotor… things I wanted… to try on you…”

Lotor raised an eyebrow. “On me?”

“Y-yeah,” Lance panted, his body growing hot. “I… I want to tie you up and ride you…”

Lotor groaned and the sound went straight to Lance’s dick. “What else?”

“I got… a vibrator… I wanted to put it inside of you while you fucked me.” Lance’s legs were weak at just the thought and Lotor grabbed his ass in a bruising grip.

“I would let you fuck me,” Lotor said into his ear and Lance shivered.

“You would?” The idea of fucking Lotor had him eager to get back home to do just that.

“I knew you two were kinky!” A voice said from behind them and Lance’s face went red with embarrassment.

“Ezor!” Lance screeched, breaking free from Lotor, trying to cool his hot body.

Lotor licked his lips with a smirk, a hungry look in his eyes and Lance was barely managing to keep himself from jumping his lover.

Beside Ezor and Acxa were Lyanna and Luis, Lya was nodding her head in approval and winked at Lance while Luis’ face was a bright red.

“You bitch!” Lance jumped at Ezor, tackling her to the ground and the girl cackled loudly. “As if you and Acxa aren’t kinky as fuck!”

“Yeah but we don’t practically fuck in front of you and Lotor, do we?” Ezor shot back and Lance pressed his lips together. That’s true…

“Well, it’s not like you don’t enjoy it,” Lance poked her in the stomach until she squirmed with laughter.

“I-I don’t!” Ezor shouted through her laughter.

“You little liar! It probably turns you on!” Lance grinned mischievously and Ezor tried to pout.

“So what if it does?” Ezor flipped them over and it was her turn to attack him with tickles. “You're a little slut and so am I and that makes us besties.”

Lance grinned and pulled her down for a tight hug, making the girl giggle happily. “I love you so much my little pink lady!”

“Gert errf!” Ezor’s voice was muffled as she struggled to push Lance off of her.

“What’s going on here?” A stern voice boomed and they looked up to see a mall cop.

Lance detangled from Ezor, his hair tousled and face flushed. “Nothing, just having fun.”

“Right, keep it quiet, you’re disturbing the other customers.” The man glared at them before turning around and Lance turned to Ezor and the pair broke into a fit of giggles.

“Alright you two, fun is over,” Lotor grabbed the back of Lance’s jacket and dragged him away while Acxa did the same to Ezor.

“This isn’t over, Ezor!” Lance promised the girl who stuck a tongue out at him.

“What just happened?” Luis asked Veronica who shrugged.

“Just Lance being Lance.” Luis nodded his agreement.

Chapter Text

“Honerva has awoken my lord.” The healer Kaz bowed politely to her Emperor and Lotor turned from where he was working.

“Thank you, Kaz, I’ll be there to see her in just a moment.” Lotor dismissed her and she bowed once again before leaving.

Lotor frowned once he was alone, unsure of how he felt about Hag- Honerva being awake or just being Honerva in general.

Just a few days ago, he believed his mother died and now it turns out she had always been present in his life?

There was a lot on the Emperor’s mind and he wasn’t sure if he would be able to form a relationship with the woman or even forgive her. She stood and watched as his father beat him, barely batting an eye when he cried and begged for his father to stop.

However, he also understood the temptation of quintessence. It was alluring and promised power and a long life. It was because of her experiments with quintessence that allowed him to live for so long and why she lost her memories in the first place. It is why Zarkon became so obsessed with quintessence and power.

If he hadn’t met Lance, he probably would’ve killed her without a care, but now that he knows what it is like to love and be loved in return, as well as see the relationship his lover has with his own mother, well, it made him ache to feel such a bond as well.

Sometimes, he couldn’t understand Lance’s unconditional and devoted love towards him, believing it was all some messed up dream and he would wake up without that sunlight in his life. He used to believe he wasn’t worthy of love, blamed himself and Zarkon for making him feel that way but then he saw the paladin on the Castle of Lions and felt compassionate towards him.

The way his team treated Lance still made his blood boil and he wondered how Lance could forgive them so easily, but it was his nature. Lance was far more compassionate and had much more love in his heart than Lotor could imagine.

Lotor did feel compassion but it always backfires on him, or at least it used to. Lotor had helped develop refuge planets in different parts of the galaxy to try and protect them from Zarkon’s wrath but in the end he couldn’t protect them.

Lotor promised himself he wouldn’t feel such compassion again but then he met Lance.

Lotor didn’t expect to fall in love with Lance. He intended to persuade the paladin to join him in order to split Voltron up further but Lance’s strength and light had drawn him in.

Lance was incredibly strong, stronger than Lotor could ever be. He fit in so easily and even wormed his way into the hearts of his generals who used to be just as cold and cruel as him. It sometimes baffles him how much they changed all because of Lance.

Their relationship had moved so fast and it scared him but it felt so right. He didn’t even know a part of him was missing.

Trying to clear his thoughts, Lotor made his way to their room where Lance was sleeping.

When he entered, he smiled fondly seeing Lance taking up the whole bed, curled up with the sheets crumbled between his legs.

Lotor walked over and sat beside his lover, watching his peaceful face and the rise and fall of his chest as he snored softly, his lips parting occasionally.

Lance let out a soft groan and slowly blinked his eyes and saw Lotor watching him. “Are you okay?” Lance asked, stretching like a cat and moving to rest his head against Lotor’s thigh.

“Honerva woke up,” Lotor told him and Lance’s eyes widened and flew upwards.

“Have you seen her yet?” Lance asked, suddenly very awake.

“No, Kaz just told me.” Lotor reassured him and Lance let out a sigh.

“Are you going to talk with her?” Lance asked, grabbing his hand to gently kiss his hand.

Lotor took a deep breath. “Can you come with me?”

Lance’s eyebrows went up but he nodded nonetheless. “Of course, let me get dressed.”

Scrambling out of bed, Lance went into the bathroom to wash his face and brush his teeth as well as his hair before putting on his armor.

“Are you worried?” Lance asked while stripping out of Lotor’s shirt to step into the legs of his suit.

“A little bit but I’ll be fine with you there.” Lotor watched as Lance tripped and nearly fell face first into the bed but he managed to regain his balance.

With an exasperated sigh, Lotor got up and helped Lance get dressed. “There’s no need to rush.”

“I want to check on her,” Lance admitted sheepishly. “My mom said she was willing to help too.”

“How so?” Lotor wondered.

“Teach her how to be a mother, in a way.” Lance told Lotor about his mothers friend who had given her daughter for adoption.

“I’m not a child anymore.” Lotor said with a frown.

“It doesn’t really matter. I’ll always need my mom and she will always be there for me. If Honerva could be that someone for you, I think you would be happy.” Lance smiled at him.

“You’re that person for me.” Lotor kissed him softly and Lance sighed happily.

“It’s different. Of course I’ll always be there for you and vice versa but it’s not the same with a mom. Let’s go talk to her, okay?” Lance held out his hand and Lotor took it, suddenly feeling nervous.

“Don’t worry too much, you might hurt yourself thinking too hard.” Lance teased with a grin and Lotor leaned over to bite his ear.

“Hey!” Lance flushed and glared weakly at his lover. “Don’t get me worked up!”

Lotor laughed and they left their room to make their way to the infirmary.

“Honerva,” Lance called as soon as he saw the woman sitting on the hospital bed, an untouched tray of food in front of her. She was frowning and clearly deep in thought but she looked up when Lance called out.

“You look much better. How are you feeling?” Lance asked, grabbing a chair and pulling it close to her bed, Lotor doing the same.

“I’m still confused but… most of my memories are back.” Honerva said after a moment of trying to organize her thoughts to put them into words.

“That’s good. Did you want something else to eat?” Lance offered and the woman shook her head.

“I’m not hungry.” Honerva pushed the plate away and Lance took it.

“Still, make sure you eat. Apparently you are malnourished.” Lance told her sternly and the woman surprisingly smiled.

Honerva turned her gaze onto Lotor and she reached out a shaky hand. “Lotor- I- I am so sorry.”

Lotor’s hand twitched and a nudge from Lance had him reaching forward to grab her hand. “Why are you sorry?”

“For forgetting you, for letting Zarkon hurt you like that. I never understood why I felt so uneasy when I saw you getting hurt but now it makes sense.” Honerva looked down, tears in her eyes. “There were so many times I wanted to step in and stop him but I couldn’t…”

“You did?” Lotor looked surprised.

“It was like… someone was constantly fighting me.” Honerva’s eyebrows furrowed as she tried to put her thoughts into words that would make sense. “I guess it was just the real me.”

“What do you remember?” Lance asked gently and Honerva tried to wipe her tears.

“Zarkon.” Honerva whispered. “Before he… before we became monsters. I regret becoming so obsessed with quintessence and my son paid the price.”

“At least you regret it. In my book, that means you can be forgiven.” Lance smiled, his eyes crinkling and the woman whipped her head towards him.

“Forgiven? For all the things I have done? To my son, to you?” Honerva looked at his arm.

“Forgiving isn’t forgetting.” Lance placed his hand on top of her’s and Lotor’s. “There aren’t enough apologizes in the universe to forget all of the horrible things you’ve done, but that was you as Haggar. You can start by earning forgiveness from Lotor, as Honerva.”

“I… I still feel like Haggar is a part of me.” Honerva looked down at her free hand and lighting curled around her fingers.

“You’ve been Haggar for the past millennia. It won’t be easy to overcome her influence over you but I have a feeling that you’ll manage.” Lance pulled his hand away to rest them in his lap.

“How did you find out who I was?” Honerva wondered.

“Narti, one of Lotor’s generals.” Lance told her honestly.

“Ah, she is the one with Kova. I’m surprised that little beast is still alive…” Honerva laughed.

“Really? Was he yours?”

“He was given to me by Zarkon. You know, he used to be really charming.” Honerva’s eyes glazed over as she was pulled into her past and both Lance and Lotor gave her time.

Once Honerva refocused on them, Lance spoke up. “I know you never got the chance to be a mother…”

Honerva frowned but he smiled reassuringly. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t be his mother now.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “You mean- he’s an adult, how could I possibly mother him?”

Lance chuckled. “I would like you to meet my own mother, I’m sure she can teach you a lot, if you’re willing. That is, if you want to be a part of Lotor’s life.”

“Will- is- will that be okay?” Honerva turned to Lotor with tear filled hopeful eyes.

“I am if you are.” Lotor smiled tightly and Honerva smiled brightly and it was like she was an entire different person.

“I- I did want to ask how you two met? I know you brought him to me as your new general but I don’t know much other than that.” Honerva looked between the two of them.

Lance scratched the back of his head nervously. “Well, I was actually a paladin.”

“Of Voltron?!” Honvera’s eyes widened and Lance laughed, his expression sheepish.

Honerva snorted. “Why am I not surprised?”

“What do you mean?” Lotor asked, his tone slightly sharp.

“If I had known then, I would have assumed you got with him to spite Zarkon but now I see that is not that case. You remind me of Zarkon and myself, when we were in love and married.” Honerva grinned. “We were inseparable and quite the pair, if I do say so myself.”

Lance blushed and Lotor coughed awkwardly. “Yes, well, I didn't expected to fall in love with him.”

Lance gasped dramatically. “I thought it was love at first sight!”

Lotor snorted with an eye roll and Honerva’s bright and carefree laughter shocked them into staring at her with gaping mouths.

“I’m glad, I’m so happy that you have found someone to love and love you in return.” Honerva reached forward to hug Lotor who let out a surprised grunt.

His body remained tense but then his expression softened and he practically melted into Honerva’s arms, his own wrapping around her to return the hug.

Lance’s eyes burned at the heartwarming moment and saw that Lotor was fighting against his own tears.

“I’ll leave you both to talk on your own, I’ll be back in a little bit.” Lance stood up and turned to leave.

Lotor gently pulled away from Honerva to grab Lance’s wrist before he could walk away and pulled him into a gentle kiss that was so soft and full of love that had Lance’s heart aching.

“Thank you.” Lotor stared into his eyes, conveying how much he meant his words and Lance wiped a stray tear away from Lotor’s cheeks.

“I’ll be back soon,” Lance pecked his lips before pulling away and seeing a smile on Honerva’s face. He waved at her, which she returned before leaving to go find his family.

They were in the dining room with his fellow generals and he let out a dramatic sigh as he sat down. “I’m surprised you’re up so early,” Acxa blinked at him but he could hear the smirk in her voice.

“Yeah, didn’t Lotor literally drag you away once we got back from the mall?” Ezor teased with a grin and Lance flipped her off.

“Lance!” Rosa didn’t need to shout for him to jump three feet into the air, which made his siblings and girls snicker.

“But moooom, she started it!” Lance whined and pitifully dropped his head onto the table.

“I take it Haggar woke up?” Acxa asked calmly but her lips were twitching in amusement.

“Yeah, Lotor is with her right now.” Lance answered as he piled his plate with food.

“How is she?” Rosa asked softly.

“Most of her memories came back and I’m sure she is still confused and sorting through them.” Lance explained. “But she isn’t Haggar anymore, I saw it with my own eyes.”

“How are you so sure she isn’t faking it?” Zethrid asked, her body rigid and Lance smiled knowingly at her.

“I know we all have history with her but… the way she was looking at Lotor…” Lance smiled happily, glad that it worked out. He had been so worried that she would’ve rejected herself and he did have his doubts at first whether she was faking it or not but after their talk, he knew she wasn’t.

“Were you mothering all over her? You’re a sappy mother bird and if that didn’t scare her then she has my full support.” Ezor grinned and Lance threw his knife at her, which she easily caught the handle of before throwing it right back. Lance caught it in his metal arm and before he could throw it back, Rosa snapped at him, making him drop it.

“I love your mom,” Zethrid said wistfully. “She’s scarier than you.”

Lance grinned, knowing that was true, “Who do you think I got my mothering from?”

“So, Lotor’s mom, she was with Zarkon right? The evil dude?” Veronica asked curiously.

Lance nodded. “Apparently, Zarkon used to be quite the charmer.”

Zethrid made a gagging sound while Acxa scrunched her nose.

“Yeah, I know.” Lance nodded in sympathy. “Just be glad I’m not telling you what else she said about him.”

He got horrified looks at what he was suggesting and he snickered. “I’m kidding, she wasn’t that graphic. Thank. God.”

“Do you still want my help?” Rosa asked and Lance nodded.

“Yeah, if that’s alright with you. I figured I can take you to meet her once we’re done eating.”

Rosa nodded her agreement and they finished eating.

“Do you mind staying with them for a bit?” Lance asked Ezor and Acxa, gesturing to his family.

“Sure! I promised Marco I would teach him how to fight.” Ezor grinned when he looked at her in horror.

“No, if you teach him he might just be able to kick my ass one day.”

“That’s the plan!” Marco chirped and Lance pulled him into a headlock as ruffling his hair.

“Lance!” Marco whined, trying to escape but Lance was much stronger. “See! This is why! One day, I promise you’re going to get it!”

Lance laughed, pulling away and dodging the hand that came swinging at him. “You’ve still got a long way to go.”

Marco fumed with an adorable pout.

“Behave.” Lance pointed at him sternly before grabbing his mother’s hand to lead them towards the infirmary.

“She won’t try to hurt me, will she?” Rosa asked nervously.

“No, but I will be there in case she has some sort of breakdown.” Lance smiled reassuringly at his mom. “I think she really does want to be a part of Lotor’s life. She even approved of me even if I was technically her enemy at some point.”

“Sometimes, I wonder how you grew up to be so wise but you’ve always carried a lot on your shoulders.” Rosa stopped and looked up at her son and reached up to hold his cheek in her hand. “I am so proud of you and the man you have grown into.”

Lance sniffled, feeling his eyes water and he kissed her cheek. “Thank you, mom. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”

Rosa nodded, just as tearful before they continued their walk to the infirmary.

When they entered, Lotor and Honerva were laughing and holding hands, dried tears staining their cheeks.

Lance walked over and leaned over Lotor’s shoulder to kiss his cheek. “Did you eat?” Lotor asked.

“Yeah, I saved you a plate.” Lance gestured for his mother to sit in his chair.

“Honerva, I am Rosalia, but you can just call me Rosa. I am Lance’s mother.” Rosa introduced herself warmly with her hand held out and Honerva hesitantly took it.

“It is nice to meet you,” Honvera said politely and Rosa smiled softly. “Did- did you raise Lance?”

Rosa smiled. “I did my best but he mostly raised himself.”

Honerva frowned. “Why?”

“Because of my husband,” Rosa’s smile fell. “I loved my husband dearly but after… some things, he began to drink and became abusive towards me and our children.”

Honerva gasped, her gaze flicking over to Lance and Lotor.

“Lance is my second oldest, after my daughter Veronica. Lance took the brunt of his abuse that started when he was around six years old and I wasn’t strong enough to protect him and instead he protected me.” Rosa explained. “I think… I was still hanging onto the hope that I would get the man I married back but I never did.”

Honerva looked down, her eyebrows drawn in thought.

Lance completely missed that the two women had so much in common.

Taking a deep breath, Rosa continued. “Lance not only protected me but also his siblings, taking Robert’s anger and guilt all on his own. I was so relieved when Lance left to join the academy but with him gone, we were at his mercy.”

Lance tensed up but Lotor squeezed his hand and he relaxed slightly.

“I changed the locks and Robert spent most of his days out and doing drugs and he started coming back less and less. I felt like a part of me had died when Lance was reported missing and they wouldn’t tell what had happened. For two years we had believed he was dead until he came home and that part of me returned.” Rosa turned her head to smile wetly at Lance who couldn’t hold back his tears.

“He had grown up during his time away and sometimes I still can’t believe it but I am so proud. He doesn’t need me anymore, he has Lotor to hold him whenever he needs to cry, but he knows that I will always be there if he needs his mama.” Rosa turned back to Honerva and took her hand.

“It’s not too late for you and from what I’ve heard, we have quite a similar past.”

Honerva’s eyes were filled with tears and she let out a sob. “Thank you, thank you… I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to be a part of his life and that I was broken for good…”

Rosa leaned forward to hug and comfort the woman. “Our love for our children should always be unconditional.”

“I was so excited when I went into labor but I- I was too weak… Zarkon didn’t want to lose me and our son and he… he infused us with quintessence and it felt like I had truly died. Now it feels like I have been living a nightmare for the past millennia.” Honerva sobbed into the woman's shoulder. “And my son had lived but I didn’t even recognize him. I didn’t stop Zarkon from hurting him, I couldn’t.”

Rosa rubbed her back. “You’re here now, willing to try and earn his forgiveness.”

Honerva laughed wetly. “Lance said something similar.”

“Did he now?” Rosa raised an eyebrow at her son who pulled his lips into his mouth and avoided looking at her. “Well, he has learned a lot from me.”

“Thank you, thank you, for raising someone so phenomenal who could love my son with his whole heart and soul. Galra mate for life and Lotor has chosen well.” Honerva smiled at Lance who flushed red.

“Would you like to come to our bonding?” Lance asked and her eyes widened.

“I would love to!” Honerva deflated slightly. “If… that’s okay with you?” She asked Lotor.

Lotor smiled. “I would love for you to be there, mother.”

Honerva pressed her hands against her mouth to try and contain her happiness but it was practically oozing from her.

“Thank you, Rosa.” Honerva whispered to the woman and hugged her tightly. “I wasn’t sure if I would be capable but… thank you.”

“I understand and of course.” Rosa hugged her back.

“Well, how do you feel about joining us for a cuddle session?” Lance asked, trying to break the thick tension hanging in the room. Beside him, Lotor let out a groan.

Chapter Text

“Wow! This place is so beautiful,” Lance whispered, looking around the beautiful vibrant and glowing wildlife. There were all sorts of flowers all around them and Lance fought the urge to pick every single one he saw. “Why haven’t you brought me here before?”

“We haven’t had the time with everything going on,” Lotor explained. “But now feels like a good time.”

Behind them was trailing Lance’s family who were also trying to pick flowers, not sure if it was allowed or not.

Up ahead was a quaint village with small houses with children running around and adults watching over them with careful eyes. Despite its small size compared to the large suburban areas on earth, this village felt comfortable.

“This is a refuge planet for galran hybrids like myself.” Lotor told Lance who looked up at his lover with a proud glint in his eyes. “They weren’t safe in regular refugee camps because of our reputation at the time, so I had this place made.”

“Wow.” Lance whispered in awe and three children ran towards them.

“Lotor!”

Lotor kneeled down just in time for them to barrel into him, knocking him over onto his back as they hugged him tightly. Lotor’s laughter was light as they all spoke over each at once, sharing all sorts of stories that made no sense.

“Who are you?” Someone tugged on Lance’s hand and he looked to see a little with green, fluffy skin, purple hair, and yellow doe eyes. She was adorable.

“I’m Lance, what’s your name?”

“Jewel.” The girl smiled and started to pull him further into the village, other kids running around them without a care in the world.

Lotor joined him, with one of the boy’s on his shoulder and a man walked out of the house, a little girl holding tightly on his hand.

“Lotor!” The man looked at Lotor in surprise before jogging over to pull Lotor in for a hug. “What brings you here? I haven’t seen you in forever, I thought you were dead.”

Lotor chuckled and wrapped his arm around Lance’s waist. “I wanted to introduce you to my mate.”

Lance flushed and he wasn’t exactly a shy person but the way the man looked him up and down, taking him in, deciding whether or not he was good enough made Lance a little anxious.

The man's skin was a light gray, his eyes bright and red with curly white hair. He had a little stubble on his chin but he had a soft and kind vibe.

After what felt like an hour of being scrutinized, the man finally smiled and reached his hand out. “Nice to meet you, my name is Ascerick.”

Lance shook his hand, his anxiousness melting away. “I’m Lance.”

“He is an old friend of mine, Lance.” Lotor grinned.

“If anyone is old, it’s you.” Ascerick glared and Lance snorted.

“You’re practically ancient.” Lance teased and Lotor pinched his hip.

“So, how did you two meet?” Ascerick asked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively and Lotor rolled his eyes.

“How much time do you have?” Lance smirked and Asceros winked before gesturing to follow them.

“Well, here I thought Lotor was going to be alone forever.” Ascerick snorted.

“Koya, put your shoes on!” A woman shouted after a child that came running out of one of the houses.

“Ezzie!” The little girl squealed.

“Hatchling!” Ezor opened her arms and the girl practically flew into her arms and Ezor spun her around. The little girl giggled uncontrollably.

“Ezor! She just ate! Don’t make her sick!” The woman shouted and wondered if she was Ezor’s sister with how similar they looked.

“Ellie! My sweet sister! I missed you,” Ezor shifted the girl on her hip to walk over to her sister to kiss her cheek and the woman let out an exasperated sigh.

“Yeah yeah, I missed you too.” She kissed Ezor’s cheek back with a roll of her eyes.

The little girl gasped and wiggled out of Ezor’s arms to pounce on Acxa next who had the most bright and joyful smile on her face that Lance hardly gets to see.

“Auntie Acca!”

“I didn’t know Ezor had a sister,” Lance muttered to Lotor, trying to keep himself from snickering like a madman when Acxa was called Auntie Acca. He is definitely teasing her later on.

“She doesn’t talk about her, well, it became a habit in order to keep this place safe.” Lotor explained and Lance made an understanding sound.

The group moved behind one of the houses in the village and it was like a community barbeque with a large campfire and tree logs scattered around. There were already children and teenagers eating while the adults continued to cook, handing out food when another round was done.

They all sat around the fire and Lance introduced his family before Veronica and Marco eagerly went to get some food, chatting with the other kids. Zethrid and Lyanna split off to chat while Luis was dragged away by a group of eager girls his age.

Honerva had joined them on this trip, Lance insisting she should get some fresh air and Rosa stayed with the woman, keeping her calm in case she got overwhelmed.

Lotor began talking with Ascerick, catching up after what seemed to be a long time since they last saw each other and Lance decided he wanted to wander around the village.

Lance came across a little girl by a nearby pond, her knees tucked close to her body as she quietly cried. She seemed to be around four or five.

Her hair was white and long, covering most of her face. Her skin was the lightest shade of purple that it was almost pearl like. When she heard his footsteps, her head whipped around and Lance was stunned by her beautiful pale yellow eyes that glowed.

“Hello,” Lance said gently, not wanting to scare her and she shifted away. “My name is Lance, what’s yours?”

“C-Catalonia… My parents called me Cat.” The girl answered weakly, her voice shaking.

“It’s nice to meet you, Cat.” Lance smiled warmly at the cutest little girl and she looked away.

“Were you looking at your reflection?” Lance asked and she nodded.

“I-I feel like I can see my mommy and daddy.” Catalonia cried and Lance slowly moved towards her, still keeping a distance and he crouched down to look at his own reflection.

“You know, I had a twin sister.” Lance took a deep breath. “We were identical and liked to dress up in each other's clothes to confuse our parents.”

The girl listened to him and Lance picked up a stray petal and gently set in on top of the water. “She was my other half, part of my soul and when she died, a part of me died too.”

“She died?” The little looked up at him, her eyes watery and he smiled sadly with a nod.

“We had been playing in the street, always making sure to keep a lookout for cars but a man was speeding down the road. He had gotten caught doing something bad and was trying to escape from the police.” Lance felt himself tear up and he took another deep breath to calm himself down. “I haven’t… I’ve never told anyone this because I’ve always felt so guilty and blamed myself, but she pushed me out of the way and got hit.”

Cat gasped, her eyes going wide.

“There was nothing that could have saved her and the man drove off, not even bothering to stop. There has always been a saying about twins and how they are… connected in a way, a bond so deep that the one twin could feel the other, even if they weren’t in the same room. I didn’t believe in that but the day she died, the silence was nearly unbearable. I couldn’t feel her anymore, I couldn’t feel her radiance and light that she always carried with her.” Lance wiped his face and noticed the girl had scooched closer to him and she hesitantly reached out to take his hand.

“Thank you, Cat.” Lance squeezed her hand and she smiled before looking down at her reflection.

“Mommy and daddy didn’t have much. Mommy used to work with bad people and she told me she managed to get away and that’s when she met my daddy. Daddy kept her safe until the bad people came looking for her.” The little girl sniffed. “Mommy told me to run and hide and I could hear her fighting but I ran away.”

Lance felt his heart clench at what this little girl had gone through. “Mommy was special… and daddy once told me that bad men would use her for research.”

Lance kept himself from reacting and continued to listen to the little girl pour her heart out.

“I-I’ve been told not to tell anyone this before… but… mommy was a bas-basilisk and I am too.” The girl stuttered out and Lance’s eyes widened in surprise.

Zarkon wiped out the species centuries ago but apparently there were some survivors or simply one survivor. Basilisk’s were a snake like species with the ability to transform into a sixty foot snake or longer with armored scales and deadly venom. They also lived incredibly long lives and were fiercely protective of their families, especially mothers.

Even in their “lesser” form and not as a snake, they still produced venom that was just as potent and deadly.

It made Lance’s heart ache all the more as the girl not only lost her parents but she was the last of her species.

“Mommy… she didn’t want to be taken by the bad people again and…” The girl sobbed and Lance pulled her into his arms and stroked her hair soothingly. For a moment, the girl was tense but relaxed and sobbed into his shoulder.

“Your mother loved you, Cat.” Lance whispered. “Both of your parents loved you and I am so sorry they left you too soon.”

“Do you know what makes me feel better?” Lance felt her nod. “First, I said goodbye to my sister and promised that I would fulfill her dreams. I promised that I would live and remember her for the rest of my life. Even if a part of me still feels empty without her, my heart is still full of so much love because of her.”

The girl cried. “I-I didn’t get to say goodbye.”

“Do you want to?” Lance pushed her hair from her face and she nodded.

“Here, pick a flower,” Lance picked a bright blue flower that reminded him of his sister’s eyes while the girl picked a vibrant yellow one.

“Pick a petal off and with each petal, make a promise. I’ll go first.” Lance picked a blue petal off and gently set it in the water.

“I promise to remember and love you for as long as I breathe.” Lance looked at the girl and she plucked a petal off.

“I promise… I promise to remember mommy and daddy forever,” She gently placed the petal in the water and watched it drift.

Lance plucked another petal. “I promise to fulfill your dreams as well as my own.”

“I promise to stay brave, daddy.”

“I promise to take care of our family just as you took care of me.”

“I promise to grow big and strong.”

“I promise to take care of myself.”

“I promise to take care of myself.”

Lance smiled at her. “And now we say goodbye.”

Lance plucked his last petal and kissed it, “Goodbye Maya.”

The little girl copied him and kissed her petal, “Goodbye mommy and daddy.”

They put their petals in the water together and watched as the petals floated across the surface of the water that rippled from the soft wind.

The little girl took a deep breath and turned to Lance with a genuine smile. “I feel better.”

“You will always miss your parents, Cat, and sometimes you will cry and other times you will be happy. Our loved ones never leave us because they stay in our hearts and memories forever.” Lance promised her and she threw her arms around his neck.

“Thanky,” she whispered.

“Lance?” A voice said softly from behind them and Lotor was standing there. Cat tensed against him and Lance calmed her down.

“This is my mate, Lotor, the love of my life.” Lance told her and she peaked at Lotor through her hair.

“H-hello.” Cat greeted shyly and Lotor walked over and crouched beside them.

“Hello,” Lotor smiled gently at her. “What were you doing?”

“Saying goodbye to mommy and daddy.” Cat told him with a sad smile.

“Such a strong girl,” Lotor watched her smile widely and nod enthusiastically.

“I am strong!” She exclaimed and both Lance and Lotor laughed.
“And brave!” Lance said just as excitedly as her and she nodded her agreement.

“Is the strong girl hungry?” Lotor grinned when her stomach suddenly growled.

“I’m a strong boy and I’m hungry!” Lance snickered when Cat stuck out her bottom lip in a pout.

“I’m stronger!”

Lance gasped dramatically. “You’re too strong for me!” He fell to the ground and Cat giggled.

“Let’s go eat,” Lotor stood up and held his hand and the girl took it. Lance sat up and saw she was waiting with her hand out and he took it and made their way to rejoin everyone.

Ascerick looked surprised seeing them. “Catalonia? Are you okay?”

“Yup!” The girl grinned and Lotor got her a plate of food.

Lance sat down with her on his lap and she began to eat before turning around. “Say ‘ahhh.”

Lance opened his mouth and she fed him a piece of meat. “Wow! It’s delicious!”

Cat giggled before continuing to eat her food while also feeding Lance and Lotor bits and pieces of her plate.

“I’m surprised she’s talking… we tried for weeks.” Ascerick said quietly, not wanting to startle her or set her off.

“She just needed to say goodbye.” Lance smiled fondly at the girl who was talking with Lotor.

“How did you and Lotor meet, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Lucky for you, he already told me how you met.” The man winked before sighing and looking up at the sky that was starting to darken, light purples and dark reds fading into a dark blue and black.

“I was Zarkon’s prisoner for most of my childhood. I was born as a prisoner, because of my rare abilities. I am immortal and some say powerful. He experimented on me to try and steal my immortality for his own but it never worked. I met Lotor when I was twelve and he had just reached his thirties I believe.” The man rubbed his chin as he struggled to remember. “He was completely different back then, cocky and overwhelmingly confident it made me sick.”

“However, he told me he was freeing prisoners under his fathers nose and offered to set me free. Of course, it wasn’t just from the kindness of his heart at the time. It was because he wanted a powerful ally and because I was so angry, I wanted to join him.”

“I knew he was using me for my abilities but I honestly couldn’t care but after so many years of tirelessly working in the shadows against his father, I grew tired. Three of our refugee planets were discovered and Zarkon destroyed all of them.”

Lance knew about that and it still broke his heart each time.

“Lotor changed after that and offered me an out on one of the refugee planets that would take in orphaned hybrids. I’ve been here since, protecting this place to the best of my abilities. Lotor and I stayed in touch and every few years he would visit.” Ascerick finished with a shrug.

“I’m amazed that he considers me his friend… well, I am his only one so I’m not that surprised.” Ascerick said a little louder that time and Lotor shot him a glare, making Lance snicker.

Lance realized Cat has fallen asleep against him and he hardly realized, so deep in his conversation with Ascerick.

Lance sighed wistfully, “I wish I could have seen a younger version of you, I bet you were a real hottie.”

“Are you calling me ugly?” Lotor raised his eyebrows.

Lance pressed his fingers to his lips. “Shh, don’t get worked up, you don’t want to wake this precious little girl, do you?”

Lotor chose to glare at him instead. “I will get you back for that.”

“Promise?” Lance purred, leering at him suggestively and Lotor continued to glare at him.

“Alright, alright, I was only kidding. I think you’re the sexiest man.” Lance grinned and Lotor rolled his eyes before leaning over to kiss him.

“Man, I didn’t think you would be such a romantic.” Ascerick teased.

“He is such a romantic. He had fallen in love with me so fast that he asked me to bond with him and after pleading for my hand, I finally agreed.” Lance gestured to Cat before Lotor could try to wrestle him to the ground and make him regret saying that.

Ascerick laughed, loud and full and luckily it didn’t wake Cat. “You got yourself a keeper, Lotor.”

Lotor’s annoyance fizzled out and he nodded his agreement. “You can’t hide behind the little girl forever, Lance.”

“I might just steal her and she’ll protect me!” Lance stuck his tongue out.

“Alright, I’m getting sick from all this flirting.” Ascerick made a face and Lance snickered and that’s when Catalonia stirred awake.

“Did I wake you?” Lance asked softly.

“No… Can you stay with me?” She asked with a cute yawn.

“Of course, we are planning to stay the night. Where do you normally sleep?” Lance asked.

“Outside.” The girl slid off his lap and took his hand. “Don’t worry, it’s warm and the bugs are nice.”

Lance felt like he didn’t have much of a choice and grabbed Lotor’s hand to drag him with them.

“We’re going to bed!” Lance told his family and received thumbs up. It seemed the adults were bringing out the alcohol and putting the other children away.

Teens were begging for a sip and the adults promised only one sip.

Lance noticed his sister Lyanna and Zethrid drinking and cracking jokes. It was nice to see his sister having fun. Ezor and Acxa were chatting with her sister and niece who had crashed out in her Auntie Acca’s arms.

Rosa and Honerva decided to opt out for a drink and go to bed as well after receiving a promise from Ascerick that he would keep watch on Veronica and Marco.

Lance saw them together the whole day and night and wondered if something may be going between them. It’s still too soon but both women have been through a lot.

“I feel like we should set out mothers up.” Lance said randomly and Lotor looked at him with wide eyes.

“Really? Don’t you think it’s too soon?” Lotor wasn’t immediately against the idea, he had been keeping an eye on his mother all night to make sure she was okay but Rosa gave him reassuring looks that she would take care of her.

“Well, they both have been through a lot and their situations are similar. I’m not saying to force them together but maybe… pull some strings so that they could spend time with one another. I think it would be great for them. Zethrid also seems interested in my sister.” Lance explained and Lotor hummed thoughtfully.

As they got further and further away from the bright fire, Lance noticed that flowers around them were actually glowing and had this bioluminescent glow to them. “Wow…”

“This is also why I wanted to bring you here,” Lotor was about to reach out and kiss him but remembered Cat was there with them and restrained himself.

“This is my spot,” Cat said when they reached the pond and she laid down a few feet away in the flowers, small glowing bugs flying around her but never straying too close.

“Cat, is it okay if Lotor and I talk? We will be back, I promise.” Lance kneeled down, pushing her hair from her face and she nodded.

“Yeah, that’s okay. I’ll know if you don’t come back!” Cat tried glaring but her eyes were already struggling to stay awake.

“I promise.” Lance continued to run his fingers through her hair until she was deeply asleep before standing up.

Lotor held out his hand and Lance took it and began to lead him further away from the village and Cat.

With the night sky above them and being surrounded by millions of brightly colored flowers, it felt so incredibly romantic.

“Thank you for bringing me here and introducing me to Ascerick.” Lance stepped into Lotor’s arms, looking up at him.

“I wanted you to meet him.” Lotor gently kissed his lips before pulling away. “I did say I was going to make you regret saying those things…”

Lance moaned, reaching his arms up to yank Lotor down for another kiss. “Just… make love to me tonight. I want to feel you.”

Lotor wrapped his arms around Lance’s waist. “Of course.”

Their kiss was slowly growing more and more heated but their pair weren’t in any rush. Lotor slowly started to undress Lance while he attacked his neck, sucking and biting.

Lance sighed, his eyes fluttering shut and shivered when the cool wind wrapped around his warm body. Lance’s hand worked on Lotor’s clothing next, aching to feel his skin against his own and Lotor helped him.

Once they were both naked, Lotor laid down on the bed of wildflowers, the glow illuminating his skin and his eyes were bright, burning with arousal and love.

Lance kneeled over him, straddling his thighs and kissed down Lotor’s neck and down his chest, his tongue swirling around the hardened nipple.

Lance teased Lotor until his lover was squirming, his hard cock pressing into his back almost persistently. “Lance…” he groaned.

Lance smirked before training down the rest of his body, his tongue dipping into his naval and Lotor’s hips bucked against his will.

“Lotor… can I…” Lance bit his lip nervously and Lotor’s eyes opened when he realized what Lance wanted.

“Yes, yes you can fuck me.” Lotor smirked and Lance flushed before distracting himself and Lotor by taking his lover's cock into his mouth.

“Fuck,” Lotor cursed, his hand grabbing a handful of Lance’s hair and tugging.

His scalp burned but he let out a deep moan as he swallowed as much as Lotor as he could take. He knew all of his weak spots and dragged and pressed his tongue against the throbbing veins and bumps. It was always exciting to take Lotor and he loved the feel of his lover’s unique cock on his tongue.

“Lift your legs,” Lance said and Lotor hooked his hands under his thighs and Lance dragged his tongue down and teased his testicles before going lower and lower.

Lotor let out a rather loud moan when Lance’s hot tongue pressed against him and arched his back.

Lance was growing more and more excited as Lotor let out moans and whimpers without abandon. Normally it was the other way with Lotor pulling him apart with each kiss, suck, bite and thrust.

Using his tongue to push past the tight ring of muscles, Lance added a finger and moaned from the heat that surrounded him. He was surprised to find that Lotor was slightly wet?

“Lotor…?” Lance muttered, gently drawing Lotor’s attention. “Why are you wet?”

Lotor shuddered and took a deep breath. “Galran males are able to have children.”

Lance made an ‘oh’ with his mouth before a thought suddenly hit him. “Does- does that mean I can get you pregnant?”

Lotor moaned, his fingers curling into the grass and dirt beneath him. “Fuck- Lance- maybe?”

“Why the fuck is that so hot?” Lance groaned, diving back in more fervently.

Lotor let out a breathless laugh that ended in a groan. “I-it’s harder for men but- let’s talk about it-” he was cut off when Lance added a second finger.

“Yes, yes…” Lance pulled back, his eyes drawn to his fingers thrusting in and out of Lotor’s hole which seemed to suck him in. “We- we shouldn’t make any rash decisions…”

Despite saying that, the thought of Lotor pregnant with his child made him nearly cum on the spot and he bit his lip with a groan. God, imagining Lotor with a swollen belly was almost too much.

“We’re definitely talking about it,” Lance said, scissoring him before pushing his fingers as deep as they could go, nearly passing his knuckles. He pressed his fingers around Lotor’s fluttering walls as he searched for that spot that always made him see stars.

He almost let out a triumphant whoop when Lotor’s breath hitched and his eyes widened and he came with a whine. Lotor’s back arched off the ground and Lance was mesmerized by the sight of his lover becoming so undone.

“Fuck, Lotor, you’re so fucking hot.” Lance moaned and captured his lips in a hungry, desperate kiss.

“Hurry and fuck me…” Lotor wrapped his legs around Lance’s waist.

“You don’t need a second?” Lance didn’t want to overwhelm and hurt his lover but Lotor shook his head.

“No, I want to feel you inside and I want you to cum inside.” Lotor growled, biting at his lips and Lance dropped his head onto Lotor’s chest.

“I won’t last long, not with you being this fucking sexy.” Lance said and grabbed his dick, slowly stroking it before pressing it against Lotor’s entrance.

“Yes, all the way in.” Lotor urged him by raising his hips and when Lance fully slipped inside, it was utter bliss.

Lotor was hot and tight and he should’ve considered that he would be the one overwhelmed.

“Fuck me, Lance.”

Lance’s eyes flew up to Lotor’s and he started thrusting, feeling so turned on by his lover watching him that only after a few hard thrusts, he was already cumming.

Lotor swallowed his groan with a hungry kiss and Lance fell against Lotor, utterly exhausted and spent.

“Fuck…” Lance cursed when he regained some clarity and Lotor’s chuckle had his skin tingling.

“How was it?” Lotor asked, his fingers carding through Lance’s hair, his legs still wrapped around his hips.

“Good, so fucking good.” Lance lifted his head and grinned. “We have to take turns on our honeymoon but I’m too tired for another round.”

Lotor smiled. “Me too. Let’s stay here for a bit longer and go back to Cat.”

Thinking about Cat, Lance frowned. “Do you think…”

“What is it?” Lotor asked, already sensing what Lance was trying to ask.

“Do you think she would want to come with us?” Lance finally asked and Lotor hummed thoughtfully.

“We should ask her tomorrow.” Lotor pecked his lips.

“Is- is that okay?” Lance wondered, slightly nervous but with the way his lover’s eyes were sparking, he didn’t think he would say no.

“She is incredibly cute and she is already attached to you. You also have a lot of love to give and I think she needs that.” Lotor caressed Lance’s cheek.

“You’re pretty good with kids, y’know.” Lance grinned, leaning forward to kiss him. “If she says yes, we could always give her a sibling in the future.”

Lotor laughed and rolled his eyes. “I would be happy to bear your children, Lance.”

Lance burst out in laughter. “S-sorry but hearing a man say that is kind of weird but the idea of you pregnant is so fucking hot.”

“Even if she wants to stay here, we can still have a child in the future.” Lotor reassured him and Lance nodded his agreement.

“Let’s cuddle with her.” Lance pulled out and Lotor let out a weak groan.

“If only we kept a plug on us.” Lance mumbled and Lotor rolled his eyes before the pair dressed and Lotor pulled Cat close to his chest and she burrowed her face into his warmth.

“I didn’t know you had a sister,” Lotor whispered quietly and Lance averted his eyes with a sad smile.

Lotor reached forward to place his hand under his chin and turned Lance’s head back. “I heard what happened.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you but it’s… It’s not something I like to talk about. None of my family likes to bring it up.” Lance closed his eyes as Lotor’s fingers ran through his hair.

“I understand.” Lotor smiled reassuringly. “I would have loved to meet her.”

“Maya was crazier than I was, you would have definitely had your hands full.” Lance grinned, moving closer so that their knees were touching.

Despite having his reservations about sleeping outside, it was indeed comfortable. Not too hot nor too cold. The ground wasn’t hard and the glow from the flowers made them feel safe and comfortable.

“She was the one who wanted to attend the academy and go into space, you know.” Lance admitted softly and Lotor raised a curious eyebrow.

“You said you promised you would fulfill her dreams.”

Lance nodded. “Her dreams became mine and it brought me here, with you and for that, I am so grateful to her.”

“She would be proud.” Lotor shifted forward as gently as he could to kiss him softly.

Lance’s eyes teared up. “Yeah, I think so too.”

—-

Catalonia woke them up first by shaking Lance awake until he groaned. “Lotor, it’s too early.”

“Lancey!” Catalonia yelled and his eyes flew open and she giggled.

“Good morning Cat,” Lance smiled and she grinned looking up at Lotor who was already awake and watching them with a fond look in his eyes.

“I’m happy you stayed with me.” Catalonia hugged him tightly and he hugged her back.

“I promised,” Lance whispered and looked at Lotor who nodded.

“Cat, how would you feel about coming back with us?”

The girl’s eyes widened and for a moment she said nothing before she broke into a huge smile. “Yes! Please!”

Lance laughed and kissed her forehead and she giggled, trying to push him off. “Your breath stinks!”

“Hey! That’s so mean! I was just woken up, you know!” Lance tickled her until she begged him to stop, tears streaming down her face from laughing so hard.

Cat’s stomach rumbled and her face went red when Lance snickered.

“Let’s go eat, shall we?” Lance stood up, setting her on his hip.

Lotor wrapped his arm around them and kissed both of their foreheads. “We’ll ask Ascerick if it’s okay.”

Cat nodded with a determined glint in her eyes.

“Rise and shine, sleepy heads!” Lance shouted, seeing Lyanna and Zethrid nursing a cup of coffee with a grouchy expression.

“Shut up, Lance!” Lya hissed at him and he cackled before approaching Ascerick.

“Hey, sleep well?” The man asked, his eyes drawn to their tousled hair.

“Yeah, I really like it here.” Lance grinned. “It’s super pretty at night.”

“It’s the planet, she takes care of us.” Ascerick explained. “Each flower has its own purpose. Some can be eaten while others are medicinal and so on and so forth. You can’t take any with you though, as soon as you’re out of the atmosphere, the flower will wilt and become useless.”

“Shame.” Lance didn’t mind all that much.

“Yup, just means you’ll have to come here often to see the pretty flowers and make love.” Ascerick winked and Lance flushed in embarrassment.

“Is it that obvious?” Lance whispered but the man just laughed.

“Of course it is. Your sister and Zethrid also took off at some point as well as Ezor and Acxa.” Ascerick grinned when Lance’s mouth fell open.

“Zethrid and my sister?!” Lance screeched, his head whipping around to see the pair who continued to nurse their hangover.

“They have been getting along really well.” Lotor piped in and Lance had to concede that he had a point.

“I’m surprised I didn’t catch it sooner. I know that Lya is pan but she’s always been more interested in guys, or at least that’s what it seemed like to me.” Lance couldn’t help but feel happy for the pair and they made a good match.

“Anyways, we actually wanted to ask you something.”

“You want to adopt Catalonia, don’t you?” Ascrerick raised his eyebrow at them and the trio nodded. “Are you okay with that, Catalonia?”

“Yeah! I want to go with them!” Cat was hugging Lance tightly who balked at the strength of such a little girl.

Ascerick boomed with laughter, several of the adults who had been drinking last night hissed in agony but they were ignored. “You’ll have your hands full but you both are entirely capable, so yes, she can go with you.”

“Yay! We get to be a family!” Catalonia wigged in Lance’s arms to hug Lotor too.

“Did I hear that right?” Lance turned to see his mother standing there beside Honerva with her hands on her hips but when she saw the little girl, her expression softened.

“You’re going to be grandmothers?” Lance said sheepishly, knowing that in the span of one evening, they managed to acquire a daughter.

Rosa sighed but she didn’t look all the upset. “I have always wanted to be called Grammy.”

“Grammy!” Cat screeched and Rosa’s light laughter filled the air.

Chapter Text

“Is she the Princess?” Veronica whispered to Lance with wide eyes.

“Yeah, isn’t she pretty?” Lance whispered back and his little sister nodded. “Go and talk with her.”

After a little push, Veronica started chatting up a storm with Allura who looked at Lance helplessly. Lance gave her a thumbs up and she shook her head before engaging in a very serious conversation with Allura.

“Lance, can I talk with you?” Lance turned to see his sister Lya standing there in a beautiful sapphire colored dress, her dark brown hair pulled into a loose bun with stray curly strands framing her face.

“Of course,” Lance held his arm out for her which she happily took and they stepped away from the gathering.

“I wanted to apologize,” Lya began and Lance frowned, his eyebrows furrowed.

“Why? You haven’t done anything wrong.”

“I have. I wasn’t there to protect you Lance, after Maya and father… I should have been there for you but you were the one who stepped up.” Tears gathered in her eyes and Lance shot forward to hug her tightly.

“Don’t blame yourself. Never blame yourself. It was just as hard on you and we all coped in our own ways. I was so angry and upset after Maya that I had started to take father’s beatings without thinking about it. Losing Maya broke him but the way he coped was wrong. He is the one to blame, not you.” Lance squeezed her and she let out a sob.

“You’re so strong, Lance.” Lya whispered, clutching onto him.

“So are you. You have been so successful in your career and don’t think I didn’t notice you and Zethrid cozying up.”

Lya let out a watery laugh and pulled away and he wiped her tears away, avoiding smudging her makeup.

“She’s fun and wears her heart on her sleeve and I like that about her.” Lya blushed and Lance smiled happily.

“Zethrid has had a tough upbringing, much like you. I wish you all the happiness in the world.” Lance grinned.

“This isn’t my wedding Lance!” Lya playfully smacked his arm and he laughed with her.

“Go find your big girlfriend,” Lance gave her a light push and she kissed his cheek before doing just that.

Before Lance could make it far, he was stopped by Keith.

“I’m sorry.” Keith blurted and Lance blinked.

“Why?” Lance wasn’t sure why everyone was apologizing to him today.

“For being cruel to you.” Keith muttered, fidgeting in place.

Keith was dressed casually but in a way that suited him. He wore a leather jacket and dark jeans with a red shirt. His pants were tucked into his leather boots and his mullet had grown out nicely.

“It’s in the past,” Lance tried to wave him off but Keith shook his head.

“I was angry and frustrated and I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. I was blinded by my rage and you were the easiest target for me and that wasn’t fair to you.” Keith explained, his eyes on his shoes. As if they were that interesting.

“Thank you, Keith, for apologizing. We’ve both grown up and to be truthful, I am grateful.” Lance admitted sheepishly.

“Grateful?”

“If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have met Lotor, so thank you for that.” Lance grinned. “Don’t get me wrong, I was pissed at you for a long time but I understood. Shiro is your family and losing him so suddenly was hard on you.”

“In other words, I forgive you, Keith.” Lance held out his hand. “Friends?”

Keith stared at his hand for a moment before taking it. “Friends.”

“Good, hopefully that is enough emotional rollercoasters, I’m about to be bonded and I don’t want to be ugly crying.” Lance joked and Keith snorted.

“Actually, there is something I want to tell you.” Keith began to fidget again.

“Kolivan thinks that my mother could be alive.” Keith sputtered out and Lance’s eyes went wide.

“Really? Keith! That’s amazing! But why haven’t you started looking for her?” Lance asked, gesturing to a bench so that they could sit down.

“I don't want to feel hope and suddenly lose it, you know?” Keith murmured and Lance sighed.

“Lotor said the same thing when we learned about Honerva. I told him that I would help him as much as I could and I am more than willing to help you too. Lotor has a ton of connections and resources and if it does turn out to be false hope, then you won’t regret at least not trying.” Lance smiled and Keith looked at him in surprise.

“Catalonia has really turned you into a mama bear.” Keith muttered and Lance snickered.

“I’ve always been like this. Friends are just as important as family.” Lance patted his knee and stood up.

“Now come on, I’m eager to get bonded and get started on my honeymoon.” Lance wiggled his eyebrows and Keith sputtered in embarrassment.

“You’re too shameless,” Keith looked away and Lance rolled his eyes.

“Once again, that’s how I've always been.”

“Lancey!” Catalonia barreled right into him and he grunted from the force, managing to stay upright.

“Hi little Princess, did you escape from your Granny?” Lance picked her up and she giggled, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Cat was wearing a red dress and her hair was braided expertly by Ezor, who insisted on making the little Princess pretty.

“I want to walk with you!” Cat grinned and Lance’s heart leapt in his chest and he smothered her with kisses until she was pushing his face away with incredible strength for a four year old.

“Of course you can walk with me.” Lance grinned and they made their way through the crowd of Lance’s friends and family and he felt overwhelmed that everyone he loves were here for him.

So many things had changed since he joined Voltron and he wouldn’t change a single thing.

“Mama, I’m going to get ready, will you help me?” Lance asked when he reached Rosa who was dressed in a purple dress, her curly hair cascading down her back with the front being braided back.

Next to her was Honerva, who was dressed in gray and navy blue.

One of the perks of quintessence was accelerated healing and she was already filling out and looking much healthier and happier.

“I’ll go find Lotor.” Honerva said before parting from them and Rosa, Lance, and Cat all made their way inside the house.

The bonding was to take place on the beach, which is what they had decided.

Nothing special or crazy. Both Lance and Lotor had only wanted their friends and family there with them. Ascerick wasn’t able to come but they had celebrated on their visit to planet Mother.

When they reached the private room, their guests were already heading down to the beach to give them some privacy and time to get their bearings.

Rosa had wanted to keep some things traditional, like walking him down the aisle and sending her son off.

Coran would be performing the bonding ceremony, who had cried like a toddler, and he ecstatic.

“That tailor did an amazing job,” Rosa said once Lance was finished getting dressed.

Lance looked in the mirror and had to agree with his mother.

They were white dress robes, to represent his submission and pure love. The fabric was light and flowy, nearly see through if it weren’t for all the layers. It hugged his waist tightly but wasn’t constricting at all.

Underneath, Lance was naked, which is a part of his “submission” to his future bonded. It was meant to be easy to take off, leaving him ready to be taken when they consummate their fresh bond.

Lance’s nerves were threatening to overflow but after a few calming breaths, his heart settled enough that he wouldn’t have to worry about having a sudden heart attack.

A knock sounded on the door. “We’re ready when you are.”

Lance exhaled shakily and Rosa wanted to put a comforting hand on his shoulder but it was forbidden to touch the robes.

“Don’t get scared now.” Rosa chided and he smiled sheepishly. “You have a man to make speechless.”

Lance laughed and Rosa picked up Cat and set her on her hip and they left the house and made their way down to the beach.

The sand was warm against Lance’s bare feet, still warm from the sun but cooled enough that it wouldn’t hurt.

Everyone was standing and when they turned around to look at Lance, they couldn’t help but collectively gasp.

Zethrid started to sob and Lance winked at her before turning his attention to the man he was going to spend the rest of his life with.

Lance’s breath caught in his throat seeing Lotor standing in front of the ocean with his sun kissed skin and purple altean marks flickering in either anxiousness or excitement or most likely both.

Lotor was wearing all black dress robes, similar to his own, save for the red silk belt tied around his waist and he looked so utterly handsome, Lance was sure he would die right there on the spot.

Normally, the entire outfit was red but Lotor didn’t want to follow galran tradition by the book. Instead, he wore black because it was tradition for Alteans to wear black during weddings.

However, the splash of red represented dominance and a fierce burning love and desire.

“Take your time Lance, I’m sure he will calm down with you standing and staring at him like a gaping fish.” Rosa hissed at him and Lance took a shaky step towards his future bonded and husband.

Lance wanted to curse stupid traditions because they weren’t allowed to touch each other yet.

“You look beautiful,” Lotor breathed and Lance felt his cheeks warm and his skin prickle.

“And you look hot as fuck,” Lance said, just as enamored as Lotor was with him.

Someone cleared their throat but Lance ignored them.

“Are you ready?” Coran asked the pair and they nodded at the same time.

Coran cleared his throat and adjusted his pink suit. “Per their request, we have decided to use galran and human tradition.”

“We are gathered here today to witness this beautiful union between two beautiful souls. Today, Lance Robert McClain and Lotor, Son of Zarkon have decided to merge their souls into one. Bonding is absolute and unbreakable, even in death. Do you both understand?”

“I do.” Lotor never took his eyes away from Lance.

“I do.” Lance never took his eyes away from Lotor.

“Hold out your palms.” Coran ordered and the pair both raised their hands and lifted their palms, their fingertips nearly touching. “With this knife, you will both cut your palms and pour your souls into your crystal cup that represents transparency, honesty and trust.”
Lotor was handed the blade first and he slit his palm before handing it back to Coran who then passed a different knife to Lance who did the same thing.

Coran lifted the cup. “Pour your souls into the cup.”

They tilted their hands and hovered them over their crystal goblets, quickly filling them up with crimson blood.

“Lotor, dip your fingers into Lance’s cup and draw The Eye on Lance’s forehead.”

Lotor’s hand was shaking as he used his thumb to make an oval shape before dragging a line through it. “Lance, dip your fingers into Lotor’s cup and draw The Eye on Lotor’s forehead.”

After Lance finished, his own hand shaking, Coran continued.

“The Eye represents the hidden and you will share your feelings and thoughts.”

“This purple silk represents Eternity, which will forever bind your souls.”

With their opposite hands, they quickly traded cups.

Coran wrapped the purple silk loosely around their wrists. “Now, you will cross your arms.”

The silk allowed them to move and they crossed their arms so that their cups were near their lips.

“By drinking each other’s souls, you will be representing Life. You will share a lifeforce.”

“Are there any objections to this bonding?” Coran called out to the audience who were all holding their breath and when no one spoke up, Coran spoke one last time.

“You may drink.”

They raised their cups to their lips and drank deeply, their eyes never leaving the other, not even when they emptied their cups. Their lips were stained red with each other’s blood.

“Now, to seal your bond, you will kiss to represent Death. Unless one of you reaches an untimely death, you will ultimately die together.”

They both leaned forward until their lips connected, their eyes still open. When their blood mixed together on their lips, it suddenly caught fire but it didn’t burn either of them and they didn’t bat an eye.

They pulled away.

“You are now bonded.” Coran announced and they broke into huge smiles before kissing once again, all tongue and teeth until one was forced to pull away in order to breathe.

Around them, everyone clapped and cheered, tears streaming down their faces from such an intense ceremony.

“Forever, My Prince.”