Warning: It gets very citrus the end. Pidge and Chip (Vehicle Voltron) are identical twins in this. That's about the two things I can think to mention. Light language.

Summary: Keith and Pidge get captured briefly and start think about romance even though the trouble it may bring. A second part will be forth coming were they get busted.

Keith stifled his yawn and looked around the ball again before tugging on his Galaxy Garrison uniform. Sven was dancing with Romelle and Hunk was gliding Twyla across the dance floor. Lance and Allura were standing at the head of the reception line. Lance was holding his and Allura's second baby, Chloe, and looking totally bored. Keith smiled as one more diplomat posted himself in front of Lance and tried to fawn over the child. The proud father rolled his hazel eyes heavenwards and glanced over at Keith. He shook his head at Lance's dismayed look and turned towards the buffet table. After all, Keith warned Lance that it wouldn't be a cakewalk to be a Queen's husband.

"Hello, Captain. Nice evening," Coran said handing Keith a champagne glass.

"Yeah. Wonderful. Nanny did a great job," Keith said looking around at the elegant decor. Nanny wasn't his favorite person, but se did do a great job running domestics and parties. "I thought Pidge was coming down."

"I did as well. Last time I saw him he wasn't appropriately dresses and was talking about a storm system sixty miles North of here," Coran said sipping on his own glass. Keith furrowed his brow and picked up a plate from the table's end.

"I'll go take him some food and find out what's so important."

"That child is becoming progressively antisocial. Ever since his fourteenth birthday he's been absorbed and terse."

"That was only a week ago," Keith pointed out. "He's growing up now and it's not an easy thing. Especial when you're in his shoes. I'll try to talk to him while I'm at it." Keith filled the plate up and halted halfway threw. What did Pidge like? He decided cake and ice cream where a safe bet and grabbed up his champagne.

It was a long walk up to the main tower where Castle Command resided. Keith's only companion where his footsteps echoing off the hallway. He reached the opened doorway and looked in to where Pidge was typing away on a keyboard with his eyes glued to the thirty foot by twenty-foot monitor above him. Keith could see the Arusian weather systems displayed.

"You're missing the party. I thought you liked them."

"Not any more. The only good part is the food," Pidge said without pausing his activities or giving Keith any other acknowledgment. "Besides, I'm on call and I don't like this weather system coming up. A fishing town is right in it's path and they radioed that not all their boats are in."

"That's bad. I'll go check it out," Keith said sitting Pidge's food on the console. Pidge swirled around suddenly and looked up in annoyance. "I'm perfectly capable of finding boat and bring it back ashore. Why don't you go back to the party and let me handle it?" Keith was a little taken aback.

"What's the matter? You've been so edgy," Keith asked as Pidge smoothed out his orange tee-shirt with a dark blue Billabong logo on it. Pidge had out grown everything of his own and had to start raiding Lance's old wardrobe until his parents care package could arrive. Keith flinched remembering the screaming fit Lance threw when Pidge had cut up his khakis into shorts.

"Nothing. I'm sorry. I've got it handled though. You don't need to supervise every little thing I do any more. I'm not a kid. That's all."

"I know that," Keith said looking Pidge up and down. He wasn't as tall as Keith's chin yet, but he no sign of stopping soon. "I was just offering because I'm board and looking for an excuse to escape myself."

"Oh. You could tag along. If you wanted," Pidge stammered looking down at the floor and toeing something with his sneakers. He crossed his arms and glanced up at Keith. The Captain smirked again. He loved the few times he seen Pidge get bashful.

"Fine. You'll be in charge. I'll do whatever you say," Keith said figuring it would help Pidge shake the blues he had sunken into. Pidge began to blush horribly and smile.

"Fine then. We'll go in one of the shuttles rather then the Lions. The storm is still far enough out. We should have no problems." Pidge turned to the monitor and began typing again. Keith leaned over and studied the system. He reached over and flipped the radio on. He realized that something had grown excessively stiff under his white gloved hand. He had put his hand on Pidge's shoulder and he was only and inch away from the rest of the boy. Keith stepped back and kept his eyes fixed to the monitor. The radio crackled and faded before it burst back to life.

"May day, may day. This is Verccasta calling the Castle of Lions. Situation has gotten worst. Please respond immediately," a woman's voice pleaded desperately.

"This Pidge with Golion. The Captain and I will be there momentarily. Over and out." He flipped the off switch and turned to face Keith with that determined look. It endeared him to Keith. "Let's go. Should we leave a message?"

"I'll get Coran on way out while you get the shuttle ready. Unless you have different orders."

"No. See you in a few," Pidge said jogging off towards the hanger bay.

"This damn thing is shaking horrible," Pidge said readjusting the altitude of the craft as the rain and wind battered down. Keith's eyebrow raised at Pidge's new found vocabulary no thanks to Lance. Two years of hanging around with that Red Lion pilot had certainly made a few changes in Pidge. That was Keith's least favorite.

"Keep your eye on the dampers. You'll come in to fast with them opened up like that," Keith said taking note of one of the gages.

"I know that! But I've got to compensate for this wind."

"Get higher then...."

"Do you want to fly," Pidge shouted the question and continued on his coarse. "I can't concentrate with you trying to teach me to do something I already know how to do."

"Sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you," Keith said trying to settle back in his seat. The harsh rebuke ticked him off a little even though he knew he was in wrong. Now wasn't the time to drill Pidge, but when they got back to the Castle...

"There's the village. Turn on the scanners. We need to find that boat. It was last spotted twenty-eight miles out. North-by-northwest." Keith flipped on the scanner and typed in the request as a huge sonar display came to life. A small red blip ten miles away showed.

"Got them. There. Right below us." Pidge decelerated and put he craft in hover mode. He lowered them towards the choppy water and the sinking boat. Keith slid out of his chair and went to the small cargo bay of the ship. He opened the doors and braced himself against the chilling gust. His Galaxy Garrison uniform was soaked in minutes. He lowered the large metal hook to the three desperate fishers and activated the wench. After he hoisted the grateful crew aboard, Keith shut the bay doors and handed out thermal blankets.

"Keith, are we ready," Pidge shouted out.

"Go ahead," he called back trying to balance on his feet as the craft lurched slowly towards the village.

Pidge glanced over at Keith's rumpled uniform and bit his bottom lip. Even his close cut coal black hair was messed up comically. The finishing touch was a grease smear across Keith check from the recently serviced wench.

"You did a good job back there," Keith said in that stern yet encouraging way. Pidge couldn't hold it in any longer. He howled in hysterically as Keith's serious face turned confused. "What is it?"

"You look so funny. Usually you're so dignified and stately. You look like an absolute mess and some how you still mange to retain your authority. I envy that about you." Pidge got silent suddenly and realized he had said way too much. Keith was giving him that strange look again.

For the past several months Pidge would catch Keith studying him quietly from a distance. Pidge realized that Keith wasn't even aware he was doing it even. Pidge liked the attention, but was confused by it all the same. He had even began to have dreams about Keith that he had tried to suppress again and again. It was a losing battle so Pidge decided to suffer silently until the crush stopped. Wouldn't Keith see him as a kid like the others? They all kept reminding him constantly of how young he was. Why couldn't they see the changes happening in him on both the inside and out?

"Thank you. I guess I should have changed before this fiasco," Keith said. "Now that we're headed back to the Castle, I'd like to talk to you." Pidge swallowed hard and turned in on his piloting. He began to fidget with the radio switch and look around for anther play toy. "Lately you've seemed edgy and distant. None of your usual self confidence is showing through. Is everything okay with you?"

"Fine. Couldn't be better."

"Your family is okay?"

"Yes. Fine."

"Your Chemistry studies aren't suffering are they? You're only fourteen and going for your doctorate already. The pressure of that and having to studying by e-mail from the Galaxy Alliance University has got to be hard."

"No! Damn it to hell everything is fine! Why can't you believe me," Pidge snapped glaring over at Keith. He shoved his glasses higher on his nose and turned back to piloting.

"That is precisely why I'm asking. Why are you so angry lately? I'm a very good listener if you give me half a chance. I would like to help you," Keith said grabbing Pidge's hand before it went to fiddle with the fuel tanks. Pidge felt like lightning struck twice in one night. He loved the brief contact in the Castle Command and now this. It was almost more then his hormone driven body could take in one evening. Keith let go and Pidge stilled himself.

"I'm really sorry. I guess things have been a little different for me. When we were little and they figured out we had really high IQ's we expected to act like adults."

"We?"

"My brother. Chip. I was so glad to get away from Galaxy Garrison so I could be treated like a normal kid and have some fun for once. Chip goes for all that discipline. He was born at the age of eighty-three, but not me. I ate this assignment up. Now that I'm ready to become an adult I don't feel I'm being taken seriously. Hunk, Allura and everyone treats me like I'm eight. I'm sick of it," Pidge said hoping that the revelation might draw Keith out little. It was stupid, but he wanted to be closer to Keith. He was getting lonely and he knew Keith couldn't live like a hermit forever. Maybe there was some sort of hope that it could turn out to be more then a crush.

"That would be annoying. Have you talked to them?"

"Not really. I was hoping it would be obvious. I mean, I'm going to have Doctor attached to the end of my name in three more months. You think it would dawn on everyone," Pidge said in an aggravated growl. "I don't want to hurt their feelings and I still like working with the kids in the orphanage. I know that's working against me."

"Part of growing up is being honest about your feelings and truthful to your friends. If you sit down and have a frank talk with them I'm sure they'll listen. You have to take responsibility for yourself and take care of your emotions. If you don't they could twist around on you and stunt your growth in the long run. You'll only start resenting everyone if you keep this up. Be a real friend to everyone and do yourself a favor by telling them how you feel."

Pidge was quite for a long time as he processed what Keith's advise. It may not be comfortable, but it was what was for the best in the long run. If that were true, should he tell Keith how he was feeling right now? No. It was just some strange crush that would pass.

"What's that," Pidge murmured to himself as a bright flash caught his eye off to the port side in spite of the vicious rain. Keith's eyes narrowed as he tried to bring it up on the scanner.

"Nothing here. I can't find out anything," Keith answered.

"Should we go check it out?"

"You're in charge, Pidge. Whatever you want to do is fine by me."

"Let's go," he said turning the craft around and accelerating.

Keith stared down into the smoldering pit that already had two inches of water in it. He turned on the flashlight and examined the small meteorite. Nothing of note. If was two foot in diameter with black pits covering it. Pidge joined him with a small device. He punched a few keys on it and waved it over towards the meteorite.

"I think it's just the standard class eight. It was so bright," Pidge yelled over the wind. He brought the device back towards him and punched a few more keys trying to keep it as water free as possible.

"It's iron. We shouldn't haven been able to see it in this storm." Keith warning signals went up. Lotor had been unusually quiet after the birth of Allura's first child, Alfor. It was assumed that Lotor had been gracious and gotten the message. Plus he had problems of his own with Keith's friend, Queen Merla. A huge war had broken out between the married couple and it was as if Darule had forgotten about Arus and her allies.

"Let's get back to the ship and..."

"Freeze!" Pidge and Keith turned suddenly to see eight Darulian men with lazar rifles bared. "In the name of Prince Lotor, you are now our prisoners."

"I didn't mean to lead us into a trap. It's been so long since Lotor showed up. I wasn't thinking," Pidge whispered over towards Keith who was sitting beside him in the darkened tiny cell.

"I could have insisted we carry guns or any number of things. You aren't to blame so don't beat yourself up over this. I need you to stay alert and get ready at the first chance you have of escaping," Keith whispered back. Pidge shook his head knowing it was impossible now that they were on a Darulian spacecraft head for Lotor's castle. Then again, it wasn't like they hadn't escaped from Doom before. If Lotor held true to form, he was still the worst tactician in the Diamond Sector. A lot could have changed within a year and a half. Pidge hoped that it would be the same old Lotor so that Keith and he wouldn't have any nasty surprises. "Pidge?"

"Yeah?"

"I mean it when I say to get back to Arus as soon as possible regardless of the situation. Do you understand me?" Keith's voice was unyielding.

"I understand you, but it doesn't mean I'll obey you," Pidge mumbled back.

"You'll do as I say," Keith snapped. "No arguments." Pidge just stared strait ahead and drew his knees up to his chin. Keith did likewise and put his arm around Pidge. "You have to be freezing. You should have changed before this fiasco." Pidge chuckled a little and relaxed. He slumped over towards Keith and sighed. Pidge realized that his Captain smelled faintly of sandalwood and champagne. He closed his eyes and imagined what a kiss would be like right now. The cell door clanging open interrupted his illicit fantasy.

"I had only counted on catching one with that decoy, but two are fantastic," the full breed female Darulian purred draping a whip around her shoulders. Pidge identified her rank as a Warlord. He had never seen a woman obtain the rank for cultural reasons he assumed. Her fan shaped ears flared out as she stepped in front of them and glowered with orange cat-like eyes.

Keith stood up taking Pidge with him. He took off his soiled uniform coat and draped it over Pidge's shoulders methodically ignoring the woman. It was Keith gaining control over the situation and taking care of those under his command all at once. It had the desired effect, because Pidge watched the woman's ears flattened to her hairless scalp. Her eyes narrowed as Keith turned back slowly towards the woman.

"What's this about," Keith demanded calmly.

"This is about giving my brother a birthday gift. You see, he's having certain problems with his wife. I told him that his old friends from the Voltron force would be thrilled to help. He was intrigued and gave me permission to retrieve one of you to hold hostage. He'll be ecstatic that I captured two of you."

"Who is your brother?"

"His royal highness Prince Lotor," she said standing proudly. Pidge took a closer look and figured out with dismay that she wasn't any older then he was. "I'm Grythigga. Fifty-second Princess of Doom." "I think you better return us, Highness, before you get in over your head," Keith said with a level voice.

"Silence you dog! You don't tell the royal sister what to do! We'll be on Doom with in two hours. You had better learn your place when we get there," she hissed swirling around with her white fur cape furling behind her.

"I think we're in trouble, Keith."

"Keep optimistic. I won't let you get hurt," Keith said turning and giving Pidge's arm a squeeze.

"Well if it isn't the Captain and the boy genius," Lotor said hoisting his wine glass the air and giving them a smile. "It's been such a long time." Lotor's sister bowed deeply and had her men drag the cuffed pair in front him. "You are both looking a little rumpled. I hope Grythigga treated you well."

"Lotor. Let us go back home. You know that getting involved with Voltron would be detrimental to your war efforts against Merla," Keith pointed out to Lotor's annoyance. "Queen Allura won't stand for this."

"Will her husband? Of all the ridiculous choices! I always thought you were my competition. You, at least, were worthy. But that fool? She's up to bearing him two children?"

"Keep away from Allura and Lance's children. You won't like the results if you touch them," Keith threaten with emotion bubbling over his cool exterior.

"The chink in your armor? Don't worry yourself over it... for now. I have one thing on my mind. Crushing that shrew wife of mine and teaching her where her place is." Lotor motioned for more wine and lounged in his father's throne with his legs dangling over one arm and his elbow supporting him on the other. "She seems to have a sense of nobleness oblige to you, Captain. She loves your honor and goodness. Her nobility won't allow you to be put under my whims for very long."

"You're a coward," Pidge shouted out suddenly. Lotor eyes roamed over to Pidge who was standing only slightly behind Keith. Lotor looked delighted almost.

"Your mouth has grown along with you, I see. You better keep a leash on him, Keith. I only need one of you. "

"Still a brave monarch," Pidge quipped.

Lotor drained his glass and smiled at the messages between the pilots that they didn't even know they were displaying. He had become adept at reading body language since ascending to his deceased father's thrown. It was either that, or have the council dominate him. Lotor might be a creature of sensuality, but he desired power more then any of his other cravings. His need for Allura came close.

The Prince had always wanted to hurt Keith for the wedge he drove between the important women in his life and happiness. It finally dawned on his tipsy brain why Keith got along with women so well and never married one of them. He kept his face blank at the joy he was conceiving at making Keith miserable. How could he have missed the key element to his nemesis' makeup? He needed a test to prove his theory.

"Get Merla on the monitor." It wasn't long before the large screen to the left side of the thrown room displayed his wife's pale elegant face after the large red velvet drape was drawn. "Good evening, pet. How are feeling? Ailing, I hope."

"No such luck, my love. I'm in excellent health. That is, until you disturbed me."

"I'm have two houseguests whom you might remember." Lotor pointed down towards Keith and Pidge. Merla looked over and inhaled sharply.

"Let them go, Lotor! I demand it," she hissed turning back towards him.

"Not a chance. Would you fight me for them? One on one? If you win I'll let them go, but if I win you start acting like my wife." Merla cast one look over towards Keith and Pidge.

"At least let the child go. This shouldn't involve him. I'll fight you then."

"You'll fight me now with the both of them as my prisoners. That one you call a child is just as dangerous as the others on the Voltron Force. His mind is too sharp to let running loose against me," Lotor said. He didn't miss Pidge rolling his brandy colored eyes. Lotor's sharp hearing caught Pidge's murmur to Keith.

"Great! The only person in the universe who sees me growing up is Lotor." Keith elbowed him gently.

"I agree to the duel."

"Tomorrow morning."

"Agreed," Merla said before the screen went blank. Lotor stretched and looked down at his captives.

"Little sister, take them to a cell and see to their comfort," Lotor said anxious to see if his theory about Keith was true.

"No dice," Pidge said turning back towards Keith. They had combed every inch of the gray stonework cell. It had thick iron bars across the door and a small one foot by one foot window facing the East gallows where three Darulian bodies swung in the gently spring time wind.

"We'll wait and try to reason with Lotor again in the morning. It would take us weeks to get out of here or fool those guards," Keith said sitting on the only thing in the cell, a futon stuffed with straw.

Pidge flopped down beside him and gave an aggravated sigh. "What about Merla? We have to save her, Keith. You love her don't you," Pidge fought the bitter tones down. He really didn't want to see Merla hurt. He should be happy that Keith would be with someone who complimented him so well. That is, if they got out of this mess and Merla and Keith decided to develop a more intimate friendship.

"Yes. I love her very much. That's why I have faith in her. Right now I'm certain that she's working towards our freedom in ways Lotor hasn't planed for. If we inserted ourselves right now it could foul up her plans and endanger her and her women," Keith said so rationally it stabbed straight at Pidge. He did love Merla! Time to put this stupid crush away and concentrate on getting out of here.

"You're right. It's hard to sit still." The sun set with in half and hour leaving them in dim light and silence.

"Pidge?"

"Yes?"

"I want you to do something for me," Keith said squeezing Pidge's shoulder. He looked up into Keith's stern azure eyes. "Don't bait Lotor. Be submissive and don't antagonize him."

"I'm not afraid of him, Keith," Pidge said drawing a deep breath. "I won't bow down to him either."

"I'm not telling you to do that. I want you to be modest with your bravery. I want to make sure you get out safely. Lotor has changed and I don't think he'll play around. I want you to be careful and not taunt him," Keith said causing Pidge to stare hard at his grubby sneakers.

"I promise," Pidge said reluctantly. "Let's get some rest for tomorrow. It'll be hard, but keep faith in Merla," Keith said. They settled on to the futon only inches away from one anther. "She'll do right by us."

It wasn't long before Keith could tell Pidge was asleep and he felt himself drift off. Pidge nest under the crook of his arm. Keith turned on his side to get more comfortable, and Pidge turned in response. The bridge of Pidge's nose was under Keith's chin. Keith gasp suddenly shocked awake by the warm breath on the hollow of his throat. Keith became too aware of Pidge's thin body pressed against his in the dark. Pidge began to tremble and breathe rapidly.

"No! Please don't...," he moaned in his sleep.

"Wake up," Keith said gently shaking Pidge's shoulder. Pidge startled awake and began to lash out. He wrestled Pidge back down to the futon and straddled him. He stretched Pidge's hand up and leaned down towards the boy. "It's me. Keith. You're safe. I'm here for you. Don't be afraid. I have you," Keith whispered in Pidge's left ear.

Tension left Pidge gradually. Keith felt his fingers lace with Pidge's of their own accord. He knew he should leave this situation, but he was transfixed by the sensations he had staved off for months. He had suppressed every fantasy he had about taking Pidge to bed for months now. The thoughts about ever bit of trouble he was inviting in evaporated.

Keith slid his check across Pidge's slowly until the tips of their noses parted an inch away. That friction was all that Keith need to lean back down and claim a kiss from those naive lips. He was gently deepened the kiss and explored the softness inside with his tongue. Pidge quickly learned to reciprocate, when Keith ended it as abruptly as the start.

"Keith?"

"I'm so sorry. I should have never done that. Please forgive me," Keith responded untangling himself from Pidge's warmth and sat up on the edge of the futon. His burning hot face contrasted in the cool spring night.

"That was my first kiss. I didn't do it right? You didn't like it?"

"It doesn't matter if I liked it or not. You're a little too young for that right now and you have too much going on inside of you. I should have used more judgement."

"I'm so embarrassed. I'm sorry that I..."

"No," Keith said firmly turning in the inky blackness towards Pidge's voice. "Right now I would only be taking advantage of you."

"That and you're really in love with Merla," Pidge said in such a depressed tone that Keith almost laughed out loud at the absurdity. Then again, the guys had kept the issue of sex to themselves when they went to Arus. Lance and Sven knew about Keith's secret and kept it from the other two members. They both didn't see the need to interfere in something Keith had locked away and kept isolated from use. "Pidge, I love Merla, but I won't fall in love with her. Women don't attract me," Keith said figuring he did owe some explanation for the kiss. "Don't feel badly. I should have had more self-discipline. We'll talk about it when were out of here and back on Arus. Okay?"

"Sure," Pidge said as Keith felt the teen move towards the corner and ball up in the dark. Keith could kick himself for hurting Pidge, but wasn't he doing him a favor?

Part of Keith rejoiced at the kiss' return and let it awaken his long doormat sex-drive. He had imagined growing old by himself on Arus, but this was an honest chance. He pushed away the thoughts in favor of putting Pidge first. Would be despicable to sleep with him even thought he was a prodigy and very mature? He would keep better control. Keith wasn't going to confuse Pidge and sacrifice his well-being if this was some pent up lust.

Merla walked down the landing ramp from her space shuttle and drew her burgundy cape tightly around her armored shoulders. She breathed in the salty metallic Darulian air and marched solidly over towards Lotor's caste over dark rubble. She left the Bee-twins aboard in spite of their protest.

She could handle Lotor alone. He was holding important people hostage, but it would be nothing that the three of them couldn't face down. Her husband was a coward who caved at any show of strength. She had worked through her love for him and come to a resounding disgust for the half-bred man. Keith was strong and noble and so was that child. Lotor would have no chance against virtue. Just like her dark sole had no choice, but to be won over by the pure goodness of Arus and the people who fought for her. Merla's faith was sound in pureness of heart winning against anything.

As she crossed the porcellus she contemplated how foolish it was entering Lotor's court without a plan, but she would have no way of knowing what Lotor's depraved mind would conceive. It was fine with her. She came from a proud dynasty off warriors and her women were waiting for her signal.

"Good morning, Keith," Lotor said stepping in the cell and waking them up. Keith had slept on the stone floor across the room. Lotor grinned showing his teeth and looking back and forth between he and Pidge.

Lotor picked Pidge up by the scruff and got in his groggy face. "Good morning to you as well. I would hate to neglect you."

Pidge looked over to Keith and drew a deep breath. He looked at the floor and relaxed in Lotor's grasp. Lotor shook him a little, but Pidge kept control to Keith's relief. Keith rose and took a step towards Lotor. He was rushed by several Darulians who chained him to the wall opposite the thick oak door.

"Didn't your parents teach you that it's impolite to not reply in a civil manor? Nothing to say? You will in a minute," Lotor said taking a hold of Pidge's arm and backhanding him three good times.

"Is 'screw you' and appropriate response," Pidge said struggling to get free with his wasted temper to Keith's horror.

"Now that's what I like. Settle down or else," Lotor said swinging Pidge around to face Keith. "You wouldn't want him to take your punishment for you?" Pidge stood still and looked away from Keith with an abashed look on his face. Keith was proud that Pidge did reign in his feistiness for that long. "You would make a perfect gift to a particular Warlord of mine who has a liking for sassy young boys." "Lotor," Keith said raising his voice. "Stop making pointless threats and get on with whatever is on your warped mind."

"I'll be a man of action then," Lotor said and hit Pidge several more times until he slumped to the floor. Keith didn't say a word to afraid to let his rage out. All he could do was stare at Pidge's bruised face.

"Do I have your attention now? Let me make myself clear; you do as I say and I won't hand him over to some of my more colorful Warlords. I want you to duel Merla in my place and kill her."

Keith clinched his eyes shut and reached out for his self-discipline. It wasn't coming. Pidge had grown to mean more to him then someone under his command. He didn't know the how or the why, but it was true.

"Okay, Lotor. Let me see the Queen and I'll negotiate with her on your behalf."

"You'll kill her is what you'll do or he'll make an interesting party favor," Lotor said casually as his sister came into the room and the guards left. He walked over to Keith and put his palms on either side of Keith's face. He leaned over almost nose to nose. "Does it hurt yet?"

"Go to hell," Keith spit out as Lotor back off and uncuffed him.

"Not for a long time. Come along. You have a duel to fight."

"What about him," Keith asked nodding over to Pidge.

"Grythigga will tend him. Do you understand everything? All or nothing. Kill her," Lotor said leading Keith down the hallway towards the main thrown room. "Not one word about what went on either. If you don't play it right his freedom is forfeit."

"I understand," Keith said as they entered the thrown room where Merla was standing with her pink hair cascading about her shoulders and down to her waist. Her burgundy cape concealed everything else.

"Captain, are you well," she asked taking a few steps towards them.

"Yes, Madam." Keith felt Lotor tap his arm. He looked down at the hilt of Lotor's ornamental sword. He drew it letting the metallic whisper echo off the stone wall. "Prepare to defend yourself," Keith said starting to lunge at Merla. She took on a shocked look and jumped back from Keith's first strike.

Outrage was the first emotion she felt coursing threw her veins as she shrugged back her cape and drew her sword in time to hold off Keith's upper cutting attacks. He was driving her back with his vicious onslaught, but this was different. She didn't press an attack, because all the duels she fought with Keith where more balanced then this. She took her hilt in a two handed grip and swung upwards while Lotor took his thrown.

"How do you like my new champion, Pet," Lotor called out as he was served his wine. He waved all the servants out and brought his attention back to the duelist. She didn't let Keith out of her sight.

He was breathing hard, and his face was impassive. Keith dark eyes where so full of emotion that Merla had never seen before in her dear friend.

"What is wrong with you, Captain?"

"Nothing, Madam," Keith said threw clinched teeth as he pressed anther attack that she only defended against. That was it! Merla realized why Keith was not as graceful. He was using his left hand only.

Something was wrong and it was Keith message to her. She glanced about the empty thrown room and racked her brain for what was causing Keith to do this. Hagar had been dead for a year and Queen Allura was safe on Arus with the rest of them, .... except for the boy!

"Captain, where is Pidge," Merla whispered as she parried and got close to Keith.

"None of your concern," Keith replied shoving her back. Merla kept silent. No doubt Lotor was threatening Pidge and Keith was being torn in two. If Keith lost, the child would be killed or worse. Merla would not let Lotor win this match. She let Keith's next attack hit home into her left side. The tip sank in and was removed instantly. She gasp out in pain as Keith grabbed her shoulders and laid her down on the carpet. "Merla!"

"Here, Captain," she said pressing a small dagger in Keith's hand under her cape. Merla heard Lotor's laughter ring out as he marched towards them like the cocky ruler he was. She held perfectly still as Lotor leaned over them. Keith stabbed upwards like lightning and embedded the dagger into Lotor's stomach. Keith shoved Lotor away and then helped Merla up.

"Is it bad?"

"No, Sir. Just a flesh wound. Stick to fighting with your right hand by the way," Merla said clinching her fangs to bottom teeth. "Lets get your companion and leave." She followed Keith as she spoke into her bracelet. "Bee-twins, it's time."

It wasn't long before they came to the small unlocked cell where a Darulian woman was sitting in a chair and the young pilot was laying in the flagstones. The woman bolted up right in amazement.

"I warned you. Let us leave and you'll have time to save Lotor. Otherwise we will fight you," Keith said in menacing way that sent shivers over Merla. She drew her short sword as Keith knelt beside the boy who had been disgustingly brutalized. The Darulian girl flared out her fan-shaped ears. Merla let the her run out of the room. She looked down the hall to see her attendances come flying down the hall with lazar pistols drawn.

She watched Keith pick up the boy with an obvious tenderness that warmed her to see. It was worth the small wound to see her controlled friend display loose emotions for once.

"Today you aren't yourself, Captain," Merla said taking the rear of their escape while the Bee-twins took point.

Merla sat on her massive bed and let her attendants strip her down to her waist. Keith looked at the large pink and orange silky drapes that surrounded the massive bed and turned to the plate glass window that revealed stars streaking by. Pidge moaned and clinched his arms tightened around Keith's neck as several insect servants came in and ignited a multitude of candles.

"Put him down, Keith. My servants will take care of him," Merla ordered pulling back gold toned sheets and tossing pillows over towards them. He lay him down gently beside Merla who was examining her side.

He held Pidge's hand as some other attendants entered. They dressed Merla's wound and started to clean Pidge's face.

"Thank you, Merla. What you did save us," Keith said averting his eyes as she pulled on a powder blue gown over her ample breast and removed the rest of her clothing. Her species had different taboos then what he was use to, but he graciously accepted the fact and worked around it.

"Of course. Why don't you go get cleaned up in the male's quarters," Merla said lounging on some more pillows. Keith sat on the bed's edge and shook his head.

"He doesn't like being alone. It would startle him to wake up without me around," Keith said brushing Pidge's bangs back. Merla laughed until her wound prevented it.

"Is this the change I detect? The blossoms of romance? Or is it, as you humans say, lust?" Keith couldn't help his vexed expression. "He's too young and my same gender. Things wouldn't be appropriate," Keith mumbled annoyed that she and Lotor had both seen through him. Was his desire that obvious.

"Why not? I don't understand? He's old enough to fight. Does your society require more?"

"Yes. He has to..., I really don't want to think about it. It doesn't matter. It would be in appropriate," Keith said letting go of Pidge's hand. "I can't let it happen because I would get in a lot of trouble."

"You humans are strange. What does it matter? It's not as if you would be harming anyone," Merla said with a sly smile before settling back for some sleep. "My attendants will all Arus and we'll be there soon."

"Where's Keith," Pidge asked sitting up in spite of the pounding in his head. Doctor Gourma had given him pain medicine, but he still felt horrible. Little Alfor stretched his hands up to him beside the bed as he looked around. Lance put his one and a half year old son up on Pidge's bed and let him climb over to Pidge. Everyone was here in his bedroom except for the one person he was desperate to see.

"Idgii, Idgii, sick? Boo-boos?"

"Yes. Kind of," Pidge said patiently to Alfor who lost his attention instantly and tried to scoot off the bed again to pick on Hunk and Twyla's child, Kale, who was crawling around the room.

"He decided to start patrols again and reactivate war time measure," Lance said with a smirk. "Boy, he's thrown himself into his work! Over night he's reorganized everything. I guess Lotor didn't get the message the first time."

"I have something to discus with you in privet," Merla said beckoning Lance and Allura. Merla had told only the relevant points of the story, because Keith had run off instantly after the Queen's craft landed. He took Black Lion and hadn't been seen for the last seven hours while Pidge was dead to the world.

"You okay, kid," Hunk asked looking on with concern. "You gave me quit a scare, little buddy." Pidge let his annoyances go at Hunk forcing him into a child's state again, because he knew it was out of true affection. Besides, it was comforting in a way.

"I'm fine, but when Keith gets back tell him I need to see him," Pidge said as Twyla scooped up the children.

"I may arrange a little trip to Doom if things are that active," Twyla said with a furrowed brow as she left. Hunk shook his headed at his wife and grumbled about the dangers of the spy-life.

"I supposed that Keith talked to you," Coran said now that they were alone. Pidge felt himself blush horribly. "Don't worry. We are all here to help you with this transition to adult life. If you need anything just let us know."

"I'm going to write Chip and go to sleep. Make sure Keith sees me even if I'm asleep," Pidge insisted.

"I won't think about it," Keith insisted trying in vein to block out the images of Pidge getting slapped around by Lotor as he hurled Black Lion threw an asteroid field . This was ridiculous. He was in control, not his emotions. He had asked Merla to be discrete about it and she had agreed.

"Now what? What do I say to him? Ignore it and it will not go away, Keith. You have to face it and tell him you aren't interested. You can't get this attached," Keith chided and triple checked to make sure his com-link to Castle Control wasn't on. It had been almost a year since he had flown Black Lion off planet. He hadn't realized how much he relied on it to nourish him and retain his sanity. It was the same with everyone really.

Merla's blithe to the relationship echoed in his mind. Was Pidge mature enough to date or go further? Maybe? For the most part, Pidge was a very responsible person. More so then eighty percent of the adults Keith had ever met.

"Hailing Black Lion." Keith blinked at Sven's voice cracking over the com-link suddenly. Keith reactivated his end, amazed at himself. How did he get all the way to Pollex? It wasn't important. Obviously he needed to talk it out and Sven was the most compassionate person he had ever known. "What are you doing out here, Keith?"

"Something happened two days ago and I thought we should talk in person. It seems Lotor is back."

"Okay, Keith. Land on West-3. I'll pick you up and we can have some of Sallie's home cooking."

"Sounds great," Keith said preparing Black Lion to enter Pollex's atmosphere.

Sven put a pipe in the corner of his mouth and studied Keith. It was a close to a basket case as anyone would ever see the dark haired Captain. Dinner had been silent except for the boys pestering Keith constantly about riding in his Lion. Keith was patent and kind and let the children sit in Black. They ran back to their mother fighting over who was going to fly Black Lion after their 'Uncle Keith' passed on. Sven and Romelle where horrified, but Keith understood that kids didn't comprehend having him absent from their lives.

"Well, this about Lotor was certainly a surprise. I'm glad to hear that Pidge is okay, but there is more."

"Hun? How did you know," Keith asked looking disarmed. Now Sven knew there was something really wrong.

"I've been your friend for too long. Why did you really come all this way? Not to for a pleasure trip for sure, Ya?"

"Well, I did something that might fall out of bounds of propriety."

Sven quirked his eyebrow and waited. "When Pidge and I where captured there was some... physical boundaries crossed..."

"Keith. Say it plainly," Sven ordered.

"I kissed Pidge," Keith said flatly walking out on to the battlements of the Pollex castle and leaning on the edge with his elbows. Sven, in spite of his shock, and joined Keith who was staring at the moonless night sky. "Well?"

"Keith, I'm not your judge or jury. I'm a friend who cares very much about you and will remind you that it could end up in a bad way," Sven ventured figuring this was the safe rout. "Pidge is very smart and he can appear to be mature. He does hold up an adult's job very well. The fact remains that he is too young right now. Just let him know it won't happen again and forget about it."

"I can't guarantee that. I'm beginning to loose control around him. I don't know what's wrong with me," Keith said glumly. "I'm not sure I can be around him."

"Then you do have a big problem," Sven said taking a drag off his pipe and scrutinizing Keith yet again. "First you have to deiced if it's passion or real feelings. If it's passion you can find the strength to fight it off until it passes, because you're the type to put his welfare first."

"What if it's real, Sven. I feel it might be?"

"If it's real it won't disappear over night. Besides, Pidge has a little more growing to do. If it is real, you'll let him do it and chose to come to you when he really is read for a relationship," Sven said giving Keith a stern look. Keith grew contemplative.

"Could you tell Allura and the others I needed to report to Galaxy Central and that I'll be back in a week," Keith said suddenly thunderstruck.

"What? Why? Where are you going?"

"Like I said, to Galaxy Central. It's not often that you can find out with absolute certainty if you're just lusting after a person or really want them," Keith called out running back inside of the castle. Sven became leery at Keith's sudden outburst. He did have to give Keith credit on his celibacy until now, but any healthy person need to find a mate at some point. Sven had a little unease at thinking Keith might rush things. When Keith made a decision they were always like concert and committed to one hundred percent.

Keith drew a deep breath of Earth air and smiled. It had been years. He could see the Galaxy Garrison Academy from this loft landing platform. The Golion Captain was high above the creamy hive-like Garrison Capital that he had called home for the first eighteen years of his life. He looked down and put on a serious face as Jeff and Chip came scrambling up. Keith climbed down and gave Jeff a salute. Jeff returned it as Chip ran passed them searching the sky.

"Chip! Protocol," Jeff barked out. Chip paled and turned to Keith giving him a firm salute. Keith shook his head slightly at Pidge's carbon copy. Identical except Chip's hair was dark from it's close cropped cut. Chip's eyes were also different. A little heavier and sad, or something Keith couldn't put his finger on. He finally returned Chip's salute realizing in all the time Pidge had served under him he had never gotten one. The twins weren't official Garrison members, but were expected to act as such. They would have to wait until their sixteenth birthday which was the Galactic Legal Standard for the age of consent.

"Sir, when my brother will be arriving," Chip asked in a meeker tone then Keith expected. Submissive. Unsure.

"I'm sorry I was ambiguous about my arrival. He won't be on this trip," Keith replied hating the devious way that he had worked it. He had deliberately omitted Pidge's absents knowing everyone would assume Pidge was with him. Jeff and he tried hard to let the twins have quality time. He had achieved the goal of luring Chip out by assumption. "I'm glad you did come out though. Something bad has happened to Pidge. Not to worry," Keith said seeing Chip's eyes go wide. "He's fine now. After I make a report about Lotor, I'll treat you to dinner and explain what happened."

"Yes, Sir," Chip said looking anxious and confused as Keith followed Jeff down the ramp.

Keith looked over to Chip who was staring out the Chines restaurant's window while drumming his fingers on the table in boredom. Chip had only paid him enough attention to find out about Pidge and had gone to some world Keith had no clue about. It was as if Chip had no liking or need for people. Keith couldn't believe this was the twin that Pidge spoke so warmly about and said was a Psychology student to boot.

"Chip, did you want to go home?"

"Excuse me...,"

"Do you want to go home," Keith found himself getting snappy with the strange boy. He didn't know what it was about Chip that drove him bonkers yet but their was something defiantly unappealing to Keith. It was if the only people that existed in Chip's world were Pidge, and their adoptive parents. He didn't crave human interaction unlike Pidge who was an absolute socialite. Keith hadn't met the person yet that Pidge wasn't able to charm. Chip, on the other hand, seem cold and stale even by Keith's conservative standards. He even seemed to lack Pidge's boldness.

In Chip's favor he seemed neat and orderly, unlike Pidge who was notorious for creating messes and general havoc. Chip was blunt. Almost rude to a measure, but at least you knew where you stood. Pidge could be direct, but a little too tactful most of the times. Chip seemed to be totally calm where as Pidge could loose it and throw a temper tantrum that could rock the Castle of Lions to its foundation. Keith had to admit he was always amused to watch Pidge put on a show.

"No, Sir. Unless you wanted to," Chip said looking unconcerned and yet uncertain. He defiantly lacked Pidge's self assured attitude and spunk.

"No. I'm fine. You can call me Keith. Please relax. This isn't formal," Keith said to get Chip to nodding. "Pidge said that you're studying Psychology. You'll both be getting your doctorates at the same time?"

"No! I'll get mine a week earlier," Chip said defensively with burning brandy eyes. Keith guessed that there was some ticklish situation going on between the twins that he shouldn't wade into.

He found the conversation bogging down and going nowhere. Keith's question was answered. He felt no attraction towards Chip what so ever in spite of his looks. Lust was ruled out. Keith smiled and endured the rest of the dinner; only thinking about getting back to Arus and following his own principals. After all, he didn't want to be a hypocrite.

The after dinner conversation was a disappointment to say the least. Everyone patronized Pidge to one degree or the other and let what was said slide in one ear and out the other. He had to admit that he did feel better for letting everyone know his feelings. The rest was up to them. He had taken responsibility for himself and it was ongoing. Now if he could only figure out Keith...

He pulled back the covers on his bed and yawned. Allura had asked him to take an early morning shift and patrol around the Coral Sector. He hadn't been to that Sector in so long. It still dredged up painful memories. Especial when he had to get near the lifeless rock that was once his home. Balto still circled its star, but was totally incapable of sustaining life any longer. It happened and life moved forward; however, a tiny corner of his heart would always morn Balto's destruction.

He settled in his bed and drifted off lightly. The sudden gentle swish of his door opening woke him. He sat up slowly and froze trying to figure out what was moving towards him.

"It's me," Keith whispered siting on the side of the bed. "I'm sorry for leaving you for a while, but I need some time to see things clearly."

"What things," Pidge whispered back sensing Keith so close to his now.

"You and me. I need to know that I wouldn't be harming you." Pidge had only dreamed of being with Keith like this before. It was too much when Keith laid him down on the bed and began to kiss him. "I'm sure now, but you have to tell me if I make you uncomfortable. Okay?"

"Okay," Pidge whispered horsey as Keith began to nibble on his tender neck. "Show me. Please. What ever you say, I'll do."

"Sometimes this type of contact can hurt. I'll try to make it good for you, but you have to be relaxed."

"I think I understand. I'm willing to do what ever it takes, Keith. Show me," Pidge said wrapping his arms around Keith's neck. Keith untangled himself and gave a deep kiss to his younger team-mate that was devoured. Keith lowered himself towards Pidge's chest and ran his tongue over the round hard nipples he found. Pidge moaned and begged softly for more. Keith complied knowing what would enslave Pidge to him totally.

Keith finished taking off Pidge's pajamas. He only hesitated a minute before taking Pidge into hand and stroke him up and down. Pidge spread his legs wider and let Keith settle while he still worked. Keith, to Pidge's amazement, went down on him. He felt things that forced gasp and groans out of him as Keith's tongue worked up and down in a rhythm his body craved. He came with a shove to Keith's head and a false plea to stop. It only turned Keith on more to realize Pidge could be taught to play games.

"Here's the hard part, Pidge. Are you willing to let me take you," Keith asked getting up on his knees. "It'll hurt like hell, but there is a really intense pleasure that makes it worth while. I'll make it as good as I can." Pidge nodded to Keith who stripped his uniform off by the light of Arus' three moons.

He watched Keith go to his privet bathroom and come back caring a small jar of something he couldn't identify. "If I hurts too much swear to me you will tell me to stop. Okay?" Pidge nodded watching Keith taking his own hand and coat his shaft with the glistening contents. Keith leaned downed and kissed him fully before taking Pidge's knees in his hands and parting them gently.

Keith slowly descended on Pidge who invited him in spite of the price he would have to pay. He wanted Keith and couldn't shake his feelings. His opening was rended by Keith's first thrust that was accompanied with kisses and caresses. Pidge wanted to let tears go but he couldn't drive Keith away. He let Keith penetrate him three more times before he realized what the benefits were. Keith's shaft started stroking up against Pidge's sweet spot almost too fast. It began to push him towards orgasm. Keith tensed up suddenly and froze. Keith withdrew moments later and laid down beside Pidge with a searching expression. Pidge smiled back in spite of his throbbing backside. He let Keith gather him up in an embrace.

"That was amazing."

"I didn't hurt you," Keith asked stroking his spiky hair. Pidge smiled back.

"I can handle it, because I want to please you," Pidge answered tucking he bridge of his nose to the hollow of Keith's neck. They drift off to sleep totally shrouded in bliss.

"Hey, Pidge, you better get a move on did you over sleep," Hunk bellowed threw the door. Pidge and Keith sat up with a start at the fanatic knock on the door.

"Yeah. Sorry about that. I'll be there in a minute. Let me get dressed," Pidge said biting his lower lip and clinching his eyes shut.

"Alright. Allura's ready though," Hunk replied threw the door and shuffled off. Pidge scrambling off the bed stiffly and went to his bathroom. Keith quickly threw on his clothing and listened at the door to the hallway. He would have to put all of his meticulous planning skills to full use if he were to carry on this affair.

"Keith," Pidge whispered pulling on his green trimmed uniform. He was still wet from a quick shower and looking as nervous as Keith felt. No guilt though. Keith started to snicker at Pidge who was frantically digging around his disorganized room. Pidge shot him a vexed look when Keith held his glasses aloft. "Thanks a lot. What now?"

"You go on patrol and I'll go sign back in. You only saw me for a few minutes last night and I was headed back out to Allamanda for a late dinner," Keith said scrutinizing Pidge for any distress. The genius was calm now and giving Keith a sly smirk.

"I think this is going to turn out to be fun."

To Be Continued...

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