A/N: Hello everyone! Sorry for the bit of a wait, but I faced a lot of writer's block when it came to writing the sappier reunion stuff. Hopefully Idid a good job and you enjoy this chapter. It's kind of long, but I just didn't want to splice it, and there really wasn't any really good place to do so. (In my opinion) Either way I hope you guys enjoy, and Happy Holidays!

The mission only lasted about five hours, but it felt more like fifty to Shiro. All he could think about was Keith. He was pretty sure that even Coran had gotten sick of him calling to check on Keith so much. Specifically when he had done it then times in one hour. He wished Matt wouldn't have had to go back to the rebellion, but someone had to keep an eye on the universe. Shiro didn't think that would be a big issue. After all if something came up and they had to help a planet or other rebellion group, he would just... hurry things along a little bit.

Unfortunately Shiro and the other paladins encountered a little "Galra trouble," so he wasn't able to check on Keith in the last two hours, but he was sure Coran was taking good care of Keith. That didn't, however, stop him from following his initial plan and rushing ever so slightly, so he could get back to Keith sooner.

He really thought Coran was taking good care of Keith.

"What do you mean he's missing?! Coran, I was trusting you! How hard is it to keep track of someone who can't even move?"

"I-I'm so sorry, Shiro. I tried to visit him more, but the castle needed some repairs and I was fixing the pods for when he was ready. I suppose time got away from me and I didn't check on him for a couple vargas. I just didn't expect something like this to happen in such a short time."

The shame and guilt from Coran's voice pierced Shiro right through his heart.

"It's okay, Coran. I'm sorry for getting upset. I guess I've just been a little... on edge, lately. But I know it's not your fault and I'm really grateful that you did your best to care for him while we were gone. Thank you."

Coran looked at Shiro gratefully.

"Apology accepted, number one."

Pidge interjected a thought almost immediately, knowing that quiet was sometimes hard to achieve during talks among all of them.

"Shiro, might be onto something."

"Where you even listening just now?"

Pidge sighed.

"Yes, Lance, I was. It's just that Shiro's right, when we left Keith couldn't move, but the quintessence was supposed to fix that before it left his system..."

Hunk picked up in Pidge's train of thought.

"So you think he might be somewhere in the castle, just all quintessenced out. But if that's the case, then his body has already stopped healing -"

"And reached deterioration stage!"

Pidge smiled proudly before she processed what she had said.

"We've gotta find Keith, and fast!"

Shiro seemed to really be struggling to hold himself together.

"Chances are when he woke up he was disoriented, does anyone know where Keith might've gone?"

Lance was actually the one to propose a theory first.

"I know where he went, but we might not have tons of time if what Hunk and Pidge said is true."

Lance started going forward while everyone else exchanged inquisitive glances. Lance groaned.

"I'll explain later, let's go!"

Allura shrugged and followed after Lance. Shiro and everyone else pulled up the rear.

Before they knew it Lance had led them to...

"Lotor's cell? Why here?"

"Honestly, princess... Just a feeling."

"I think Shiro should go in first, but be careful and proceed with caution -"

Pidge was interrupted by a suspicious thud sounding from the room. Shiro went in without thinking even once.

"Or we could throw all caution to the wind... That works too."

They followed Shiro into the room, careful of what they might find.

Shiro entered the room just in time to see Keith's eyes fully close. He immediately marched up to Lotor and grabbed the front of his clothes through the cell bars.

"What did you do to him?!"

"Calm your hair floof. We simply had a nice little chat."

Shiro pulled Lotor harder against the bars.

"Then what disgusting lies did you fill his head with?!"

"Nothing he chose to believe. Now if I were you, and thank God I'm not, I would get the boy in a pod as soon as possible instead of wasting my time berating someone who's locked behind bars."

Shiro growled and threw Lotor back. He moved toward Keith and gently picked him up. It took all of Shiro's willpower not to drop Keith the moment he touched him. Keith was burning up. Knowing that a cryo-pod would definitely help, he turned to speak to Coran, but he had already left to prepare the pod.

Thanks, Coran.

He began walking out of the room, being careful so as to not harm Keith by mistake. He was in the doorway when Lotor decided to speak.

"Considering I'm the only reason your little paladin is even breathing I would've expected a little more... uh I don't know... gratitude."

Shiro bitterly smiled to himself and scoffed.

"You're not dead yet are you?"

He walked out of the room leaving an incredibly appalled Lotor behind.

One of these days you'll get yours, black paladin.

Shiro sat on a single, slightly uncomfortable, wooden chair in front of a particular pod.

"Allura, how long did Coran say Keith would be in there?"

Allura was at the back of the room doing a mix of research. light reading, keeping Shiro company, and giving support. (As, according to Allura, he clearly needed it)

"Anywhere between a movement and phoeb. Although it is hard to say for sure, due to the quintessence that was in his body. It might have healed his outside and more superficial wounds, but we don't know what kind it damage could be inside. Particularly in his brain."

Well that made didn't really make Shiro feel any better, but he thanked the princess for her honest report anyway.

"Thanks, Allura."

Allura came from behind him and put a hand on his shoulder.

"I am sure everything will be okay in the end... Keith is very lucky to have someone like you."

To Shiro's surprise Allura planted a kiss on his cheek before she left.

Shiro stared directly at the pod, opting to ignore the heat rising in his face.

"Captain's log: It's day 6 of Keith's "healing pod fun time," but for us brave heroes, Keith Watch has only begun."

"Lance, shut up."

"Come on, Pidge! Someone has to make this interesting!"

It was, as Lance said, the sixth day that Keith had been in a pod, and everyday before Shiro had been in the infirmary all day, even fitfully sleeping here. Shiro had finally let the paladins convince him to get some sleep in a real bed, but on one condition: They all had to stay with Keith the whole time he was sleeping.

They had only been there for about two vargas, but they were already dying of boredom.

"Hunk, how much longer are we gonna be in here?"

Hunk looked at his watch, which was useless because he hadn't programmed it to tell space time... yet.

"Well, Coran said Keith would be there no less than a movement and considering how tired Shiro looked... I'd say... at least six vargas. Maybe a quintant?"

Lance groaned and pointed at the pod.

"You know all of our problems would be solved if Keith would just hurry up and be released from that stupid quiznak-ing pod!"

Just as Lance finished yelling, there was a gentle his and Keith's pod opened up.

"I'm magic!"

Lance stayed where he was, admiring his "magic" hand, while Hunk ran up to the pod just in time to catch Keith.

"Guys..."

Hunk's voice, though gentle, called everyone's attention, and even Lance walked over.

Keith hadn't quite woken up yet, but they could tell he was going to. In the meantime they all stared at the boy lying in Hunk's arms.

Compared to how he looked before Keith had a lot more color in his face, and thus had returned to his usual shade of pale.

His fever had been so bad that, despite having just come out of a cryo-pod, he wasn't exactly hot, but he was far from cold.

They all stood frozen surrounding Keith until he let out a small groan and started moving, or started trying to anyway.

"Uh... should someone go get Shiro?"

"Pidge, please. It's Shiro we're talking about here, he'll be here soon enough. We just have to focus on making sure Keith is okay."

Once he finished speaking Lance went over to Hunk.

"Here help me lay him down."

Lance took his jacket off and balled it up to make a makeshift pillow.

As they laid Keith down he began to wake up.

Keith tried to open his eyes, but the light that flooded his vision was far too bright and he had to shut them almost immediately. As he waited for the pain in his head, and now his eyes, to subside he took in what little of his surroundings that he could.

Underneath his head he could feel something lumpy and kind of hard, but it was definitely softer than the floor. He could sense someone standing or kneeling over him too, which only made him want to recover faster, so he could see who it was.

He finally managed to open his eyes and what he saw slightly surprised him.

"Lance?"

He managed to croak out Lance's name without any trouble, but he was sure that, whatever happened, would catch up to him soon enough.

Despite Keith's obvious struggle, Lance smiled down at him.

"Welcome home, Keith."

Lance's words and his slightly broken voice rang in Keith's head.

Home.

Keith tried a few times to speak, but found that it hurt his throat too much.

"Take it slow. You've been out for almost two full movements. Hunk, get some water for him, will ya?"

"Yeah. Yeah I can."

Hunk wiped his eyes and grabbed a pre-prepared glass of water.

Lance propped Keith up against the wall, making him wince.

Unfortunately Keith couldn't speak until after he had some water, so Lance had to wait to ask. In fact, due to Keith's condition, they all had to wait for hugs and reunions. It was killing them.

Lance too the cup from Hunk and held the it in Keith's reach, but he still wasn't strong enough to hold the glass on his own, so Lance had to help him drink some water.

Keith knew on some level that after (he didn't even know how long) he should drink slowly, but there wasn't much he could do to stop himself from drinking greedily instead.

Even though it was Lance of all people, Keith still couldn't find the strength to be embarrassed.

"Still hurting?"

Keith cleared his throat. The water had seemed to help quite a lot, and, as of eight now, he didn't seem to be feeling any effects of over drinking.

"Yeah, but it's more of a dull ache, don't worry about it too much."

"Oh, okay."

Lance pulled Keith into a crushing hug, forcing him to stifle a gasp of pain.

"I've heard you say some pretty dumb things, Mullet, but "don't worry" has got to be one of the dumbest!"

Keith sighed and slowly brought his arms and hugged Lance back about half as tightly, which was still pretty tight.

"Don't get too used to this."

"Wouldn't dream of it, Mullet."

Hunk and Pidge let Lance have his moment before they joined in too.

"Keith!"

"Don't ever scare us like that again, cause then you'll have me to deal with!"

Keith chuckled.

"Understood."

Lance extended his hand and helped Keith to his feet. He was a little unsteady, but that was to be expected. So Lance managed to convince (read: practically forced) Keith to lean on him for support.

"Hey, guys... maybe just one more hug before Shiro shows up? Just so I don't have to bother later, that is."

A slight blush rose to Keith's cheeks. It was a welcome change from the deathly pale he had once been, so
Hunk, Lance, and Pidge all smiled, but they didn't say anything. Instead they all shared one more group hug.

As they pulled away, the door to the infirmary opened up. Keith temporarily froze when he saw who was there.

"Shiro..."

"Keith..."

The sound of his name attached to Shiro's voice, made Keith able to move again.

Keith took a small step forward, testing his balance without having Lance to lean on. Once he successfully took one step, both he and Shiro surged forward. Keith lost his balance somewhere along the way, but he was wrapped in Shiro's arms before it was of any consequence.

"Shiro..."

"I'm not dreaming again, am I?"

"No. God, no. I'm here. I'm-I'm okay."

The sight of Keith and Shiro's reunion brought tears to even the other paladins eyes.

To Keith it reminded him of when he had told Shiro about his dad. Before, with all his foster families, he had never really had anyone to talk to who cared, but Shiro had cared. That day Shiro had wrapped his arms around Keith and, in a sense, he hadn't let go since. He had changed Keith's entire perspective and future.

Without even realizing Keith had let some tears slip by now too, and he rushed to dry them up before anyone else saw.

"Move over everyone. Coran is on a very important mission from the princess. I'm to check up on good old number four."

Coran had entered the room, walking gallantly and speaking in the third person. Allura followed behind him and gasped when she saw Keith.

"Um... Coran, I hate to interrupt, but Keith is-"

"I know it's hard Allura, but we must stay strong for Keith. I know he'll be up and about soon-"

Keith finally piped up and spoke.

"Sooner than you might think."

Coran whipped around to see where the voice had come from.

"Number four!"

Coran raised his voice in surprise, causing Keith's head to feel like it was hit by a hammer. He barely managed to push the pain down.

"Coran, please lower your voice... Keith!"

Ironically enough, right after reprimanding Coran, Allura also yelled Keith's name. Both she and Coran surged forward to hug Keith as well.

Though all the hugging still made him slightly uncomfortable, Keith understood how they must be feeling and accepted all of it, even when Hunk insisted on another "one more group hug".

Everyone except Shiro pulled away and left Shiro and Keith alone again. Once they were gone, a yawned finally felt comfortable enough to escape Keith's mouth.

"After almost two weeks of sleep, you'd think I wouldn't be tired."

"Let's refrain from making jokes for now, okay?"

Despite his good natured Shiro had tried to make his comment sound, Keith could see behind the mask he was putting on and the weariness held behind it.

"I'm so sorry, Shiro. I acted selfishly without thinking, again, and left you guys to clean up the mess."

Shiro lifted Keith's face up, so he was looking Keith in the eyes.

"Keith, this wasn't easy for anybody, but what you did was far from selfish. You were a hero and we couldn't gave won that battle without you. Just... don't do it again."

Keith smiled.

"Sure thing, dad."

Shiro rolled his eyes and moved so Keith could lean on him.

After about an hour of nothing, but the "smother Keith game" hunger had finally caught up with him.

Keith made himself busy by scarfing down the amazing food Hunk had made him. It also happened to be Keith's favorite. (Shiro had probably told him) Meanwhile everyone else made small talk among themselves.

"So, Lance, how did you know where Keith would be when we were looking for him earlier?"

It was no surprise that Shiro had asked the question that, deep down, everyone had been wanting the answer to.

"Oh, well that's simple. I went to visit Keith while he was still stuck in his room and he woke up slightly. He kept saying that he had to visit Lotor and find out why he had saves him. I didn't really get it, but j figured Mullet was the kind of guy who wouldn't be able to let it go."

They had all expected Keith to say something defending himself or insulting Lance, but he was completely silent. When Shiro looked back to where Keith was sitting he saw Keith's head going forward and back, as he fought sleep.

"Come on, bud, let's get you to bed."

Keith sleepily mumbled some light protests, but couldn't really do anything more than that.

As much as Shiro hated to admit it, Keith had been right. Shiro hadn't expected him to be thistired. It worry him ever-so-slightly.

Shiro took Keith to bed and tucked him in. Thinking that Keith was asleep , he let his eyes linger on Keith's face.

"Don't worry... it... be fine.

Even Keith's really bad mini-speech managed to make Shiro feel a tiny but better.

Like a book.

He smoothed Keith's bangs back and planted a light kiss on his forehead.

Shiro waited until he heard light snores from Keith and exited the room.

Despite how tired he had suddenly been, Keith's sleep was far from restful or peaceful.

Now that he was alone he couldn't stop his thoughts from plaguing his dreams and his mind. He spent what felt like hours falling in and out sleep.

When he had finally had enough, he slowly went to his bathroom to wash his face with cold water. Once he was finished he sat back down on the edge of his bed, too just thinking to notice someone standing directly in front of his door.

"Can't sleep?"

Keith's head snapped up to look at the person who had spoken. The person who turned out to be their resident red paladin.

"Not enough."

Lance saw the look on Keith's face and went to sit on the bed next to him.

"Keith, I've known you long enough to know when you're deep in thinking, aka brooding, but as long as you're on this team there's no need for you to go through anything alone. Not when I'm sitting right here."

Lance put a hand on Keith's shoulder and waited for him to speak.

"It's just... Naxzela was such a big hit, but all you guys have been doing since then is worrying about and taking care of me. I mean the only reason Lotor is even on this ship is because of me! On top of that I was horrible leader that just left you all behind and you're still sacrificing all sorts of things for me. Am I really worth that kind of sacrifice?"

Especially after everything that happened with Lotor?

Something about Keith's final question made Lance's heart hurt.

"Look, man, in a way I get how you feel. I've always wondered what I could actually bring to the team, and, before Voltron, society in general. But you, you've always been such an important part of this team and one of the most important people to its members. We'd do almost anything for you because we care about you. You're our family, and even though you may not realize it... in all honesty I look up to you and I know I'm not the only one. Even if you protested, you stepped up as a leader, you grew as a person and you still are. Not only that, but you have natural talent as a pilot and a fighter. The truth is that I want to be like you. Someone who's respected and looked up to, but... I don't know how to be anything other than who I am-"

"Then you're a bigger idiot than I thought."

Lance flinched slightly. That wasn't exactly the reaction he was expecting.

"Why?"

"For not realizing that who you are is who you need to be. I couldn't have grown as a leader if I didn't have someone who knew how to keep me in line, someone who had the patience to help guide me and show me a better way to lead and connect. A great right hand... and an even better friend."

Keith put his hand on Lance's shoulder and they both turned to look at each other.

Initially Lance had assumed Keith was just saying things to make him feel better, but the sincerity in Keith's eyes was impossible to fake. And Lance couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, he was worth quite a lot more than he once thought.

"You must be really tired if you're acting so sappy."

Lance had tried to say thank you, but he didn't really know how. So it didn't come put exactly as he had intended. Keith seemed to understand anyway. He scoffed and took mercy on Lance by changing the topic of conversation.

"So, what are your plans for tomorrow? Movie night? Mandatory cuddle session? Hide-and- go seek?"

"I actually wasn't planning anything, but since you insist... I'll let you pick. "

"How about actual torture."

Sarcasm leaked from Keith's voice and Lance responded without missing a beat.

"So all of them... and then some! Perfect!"

Lance hopped up and headed for the door, but turned toward Keith again when he was in its frame.

"Thanks, Keith. For everything."

Lance's last words made Keith back bite a more than slightly insulting insult he had been about to say.

Instead he just scoffed again and responded the only way that felt right.

"Anytime, Loverboy."

Lance glared at him, but it was far more good natured than his normal glares.

"Mullet."

Lance exited and Keith laid back down on his bed. Surprisingly enough, a peaceful sleep finally seemed to find him.

Slowly but surely Keith got stronger and healthier. Eventually it was time for him to say goodbye and go back to the Blades again.

Keith and all the other paladins stood in front of the castle, (they had landed it on a distant planet to wait for the Blades) clinging on to Keith as long as they could and saying their final goodbyes.

First Pidge:

"Just remember what I told you: if you everalmost die again, you'll have to deal with me. That's not a threat, it's a promise.

"Don't know if I'll be able to focus with something like that looming above my head, but... I'll try."

Then Hunk:

"We're all gonna miss you, man. I'm gonna miss you the most though... well, except maybe Shiro and Lance, even if he won't admit it. You liked the food, right?"

"Yes, Hunk, I liked the food. A lot. I'll miss you too."

Then Allura and Coran:

"It was great to see you again, number four. Though I do wish it had been under better circumstances."

"Oh! Remember to call at least once a movement!"

They both enveloped Keith in hugs.

"It was good to see you guys. I'll do my best to call, but I plan to be very busy very soon."

"Call at least once a movement or I'll wormhole to wherever you are and make your life a living nightmare."

"Looks like my schedule just cleared up."

After them, came Lance:

Lance and Keith shared a more bro-esque hug, but there was just as much feeling and sentiment behind it.

"You only have two things to worry about now, Mullet. Staying alive and taming that hair of yours. Don't disappoint me."

"I should be saying the same thing to you... I meant what I said in that video. Even though I'm alive that was pretty close, so I still need you to take care of Shiro. Be a better red paladin than I was. Shouldn't be too hard, right?"

"You kidding? Nothing's too hard for Loverboy Lance."

They shared a quick, real hug.

"Looks like I'll have no choice but to trust you."

And last was Shiro:

He immediately wrapped Keith in a tight hug.

"You sure you need to go?"

"Yeah. This is my way of making a change in the war, but it's different this time. Last time I left it was because I want sure where I belonged, but this time I'm leaving knowing that there's somewhere I'm always wanted."

"Don't you ever forget that."

"How could I?"

It took awhile for everyone to let Keith go, but the Blades managed to get him back.

It seemed that everything would be okay. Now, if only Lotor wasn't the next thing they had to deal with.

The aforementioned Galran prince sat in his cell, watching the outside events through a small monitor. (He had equipped a certain someone to rig it for him.) As he did he thought through his plans for the not so far future.

"What? No goodbye for me, little paladin? No matter. We'll be saying "hello" soon enough."

Bonus A/N: Hello again guys! Wasn't that ending so foreboding? I wonder why... In any case i just wanted to thank all the people who reviewed, favorited, and followed this story and thank everyone who read it in general. I really appreciate your support and I hope you'll stick with me and continue to read and enjoy my work. (Even though Voltron is over) I also wanted to let you guys know that I posted a poll on my profile, so if you could vote on that I'd really appreciate it. I'm sort of counting on those results for something important, but if it doesn't pan out that's sort of okay. I just wanted your opinions too. Also, last thing, I can't believe the amount of Keith and Lance interactions that made their way into this! I think their relationship could have been really interesting to see grow and develop, especially with Lance being Keith's right hand at one point, but I digress. Until next story! Bye ;)