lancelot week

a lance/lotor event coming to you in November!

[lancelotweek]

Lancelot Week 2017 is finished!!

Thank you everyone for participating in Lancelot Week 2017!! It was really great to see such awesome content for the ship! If we did not reblog a creation for the event, please message the post to @noir-wing or @raphidae. We will hopefully be back next year with this event again!

[ambivalentlangst]

Lancelot Week: Strengths/Insecurities

Here for day 6 of @lancelotweek I have a mythology au with the story of Atlas, mingled with some of the story of the Apples of Immortality starring Lotor as Atlas and Lance as a hesperide. Shiro and Allura serve as Zeus/Hera, the other paladins are the other Hesperides, the Galra are the titans, and the lions are Ladon. As a slightly uncomfortable side note, I am aware that in some versions of the myth the Hesperides are the daughters of Atlas. Since I’m not really in the habit of writing incest I’m not going with that version. That put aside, I rather like the idea and hope you do too. Enjoy!

-

Lotor was ancient, as was any creature like him. Not as ancient as the sky he held, but ancient nonetheless. It was punishment for siding for his parents, but as Shiro stared at him with his grey eyes hard and his wife at his side to cast judgement, Lotor could not help but think that it could not be helped. His brethren, all his kind had risen up against the new gods. He had to rise with them, or be destroyed altogether. Lotor was weak and of that he was aware, contrary to the burden he held. He could not claim to hold no bitterness within him, that was something that came with age, but it was with resignation that he allowed himself to be cowed and put to work. Lotor spent eons atop his mountain, his arms cramping and sweat beading on his brow while he bit back a thousand curses and told himself to bear it just a little longer. Another second, and he could put it down. He pushed the nagging thought away that he could never do such a thing, that the weight of the sky would crush him without someone else to take it, but he pushed that aside. He could not continue if he thought that way. The stress had already turned his hair into a shock of white, if he could not mentally cope the rest of him would fall as well. It was always when he thought he would finally give out, that his hesperide arrived. Lance could not come as much as he’d like, not with the others keeping him back in fear that Lotor would somehow hurt him. It was often when Lance fought with them that he ran away from the orchard he guarded, coming to Lotor’s feet with his own burdens and something to ease his in return. A drink of water, some laughter he allowed Lotor to share in as respite from his solitude. Lance often fell asleep as they talked, milking every opportunity to speak with him that he could. That was the only time the other hesperides could wrest him back home, his three siblings that though varied in looks loved him fiercely. Only once had they had to bring the dragon and it’s many colored heads, one for each of the hesperides, away from its post guarding the tree and its apples for their brother. They did not do it again, but even under such a threat Lance kept coming back.

Lotor cherished every visit he gave him like nothing else. Lance presented the only relief he had under the excruciating crush of the sky. His hesperide believed himself to be inferior, told him a hundred times that he didn’t know why the dragon, even if it was only one of its heads, bowed to him. He told him how his siblings, though they loved him, looked to him with frosty eyes when something reminded them of how he continually ran back to Lotor. They disapproved, and that cut Lance more deeply than he ever cared to let show. Lotor knew that and that was why, through what time they could steal for their love, he knew Lance was strong for coming back and Lotor was weak for allowing himself to be forced to stay.

[ambivalentlangst]

Lancelot Week: Promises/Comittment

Here for day 7 and my final work for @lancelotweek I have a fic set in the canon universe, with power couple!lancelot and their final promise to each other. It’s been a pleasure writing for this event!

-

tw: major character death and torture

-

   Lance had fallen for Lotor slowly. It had been a soft, creeping kind of love that came upon him with such finesse and concealment he didn’t realize anything at all was happening until they were left alone and suddenly Lotor’s hand was on his cheek and Lance was pressing himself close, impossibly close and their lips were crashing together in a manner both tender and abrasive all at once. Lotor was the sky gently ghosting across a calm sea in a benevolent embrace, while elsewhere blasting the surf with relentless gusts that shook the glassy surface in tremendous waves that crashed down in a sight both beautiful and cataclysmic. Lance was drowning, Lotor dying of thirst, but he fed sweet air into Lance’s lungs while Lance finally wet his lips. Lance had never felt anything more right.

   The coalition was stronger with Lotor, nobody able to deny his unorthodox strategy the losses it had cut for their side. Lance was proud, and was always sure to show Lotor just how much as he showered him in affection, never missing a single chance to sing his praises and love. They fought like demons together, inseparable both on and off the battlefield. Two beautiful gems of amethyst and lapis that though shone beautifully, were fatal in the way the light glinted off of Lotor’s blade and the blasts of Lance’s bayard that severed his enemies from one world and to another. They were each other’s best friends and closest confidants, seemingly unstoppable in the hurricane of their union. Nobody was expecting the two shining stars to be snuffed out.

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[lancelotweek]

Any Missing Lancelot Week Entries

If we have not reblogged your Lancelot Week entry/entries yet, then please message either @raphidae OR @noir-wing directly, and we’ll make sure to do so as quickly as we can.

-Mod Lance

[etcwrites]

Promise me the Universe

Lancelot Week, Day 7 @lancelotweek

Prompt: promises/commitment

Rating: Explicit

Status: Ongoing

Summary:

Standing next to his chair, Lance gave him a sincere look.

“I’m not your enemy, Emperor.” For a few brief seconds his fingers lingered between them, hesitating over Lotor’s arm before pulling back. “I hope you will realize that, I only want the best for you…and your people.”

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Emperor Lotor receives a company from the persistent Intergalactic Coalition Peace Unit. However this time their representative is a pretty fragile looking human boy with an interesting past.

AO3 Link

The hall was oddly quiet, each and every face solely focused on the newly arrived strangers standing before the throne.

They had showed up unannounced, with only a mere courtesy call before requesting permission to land. However, considering their previous failed attempts, it wasn’t too surprising for them to try and force his hand.

The company before him was small, only consisting of five individuals, all clad in the traditional robes of coalition peace unit. Their faces were neutral, a fake serenity etched into their smiles and yet, Lotor could see tension in those shoulders. Even though all of them had the same outfit, he could immediately realize one was not like the others.

Well…well… what kind of game was the coalition playing this time?

A moment later, a young man who was almost surrounded by the other four, took a step forward, confirming Lotor’s suspicion.

“Emperor Lotor,” he greeted, his soft voice echoing against the walls. His body was lean but tall, hands and fingers posed in such a way that they conveyed elegance and poise while the whites of his robes immediately diverted attention to his darker complexion.

Although it was surprising to hear the title “Emperor” from a coalition force officer, Lotor forced his expression to stay neutral.

“Thank you for accepting us into your palace and granting an audience. We humbly show our gratitude.” At his words all five of them bowed their heads, arms straight at their side.

Even from his throne Lotor could see the vulnerable spot at the back of the other’s neck, the soft looking hair parting to sides to show the skin, round ears sticking out.

A human boy…

He looked… fragile.

Keep reading

[gemmaroses]

Lotor does his best to keep a handle on his emotions, to be as cold and calculating as he has to be to protect his team. Unfortunately, some emotions are impossible to control, and when a plan fails... well, historically the course of action which has served him best is to abort mission.

My final piece for @lancelotweek! <1k of Lotor’s “oh shit i actually like him” moment. Direct prequel to Day 2: Love.

[witchy-writes]

Lancelot week: day 7 promises/commitment

@lancelotweek

Summary: Lotor and Lance get married.

Keep reading

[sillyshiro]

earth | space

for @tattyboo03, who requested Lotor finding Lance asleep in the library with a fever, and then they’re accidentally locked in. lancelot college au, ongoing series here

“I think I’m dreaming,” mumbles Lance, he can feel Lotor’s fingers through his hair, his hand cool and steady, lingering over Lance’s eyes as he squints. “You’re actually in the library.”

Lotor makes a low sound, something wry and amused, then turns his palm, rests the back of his hand to Lance’s brow when his fingertips become too warm.

“I’ve been known to visit the library on occasion,” Lotor offers, leans at the edge of the table instead of using a chair. “Only in the most exceptional circumstances, of course.”

Lance grins, then blinks, he’s been using a pile of books as a pillow and he’s pretty sure half his study notes are still stuck to his face.

“Are you calling me exceptional?” Lance winks, and though the lights are too bright and his vision still blurry, he can see Lotor’s mouth twitch to a smile, his hair falling over one eye as he gathers Lance’s scattered belongings. Lance moves his head into Lotor’s lap as he does, tangles a clumsy arm around Lotor’s waist.

“Are you trying to charm me into staying?” Lotor returns, affectionate, and Lance’s grin pulls askew, his limbs less achy against the warmth of Lotor’s middle.

“Are you trying to charm me into leaving?” murmurs Lance, then laughs, drags himself upright so they can head back to the colleges.

“Always,” Lotor agrees, and he tucks his arm around Lance’s shoulders as they stand, leans his cheek against Lance’s brow as Lance needs a second to gather his bearings.

“So,” Lance ventures after a moment, Lotor’s eyes crease innocently at the corners. “I guess I’m not getting away with it then.”

“No, not really,” Lotor says airily, then nudges his face more snugly into Lance’s hair, lets out a relieved breath. “Though now that I’ve found you collapsed and burning-up, will you perhaps allow me to take care of you a little? Just for the novelty, if not for the need?”

Lance peeks up at him, guilty, then presses a kiss below Lotor’s ear in apology, Lotor can’t help laughing as Lance decides to bite his earlobe as an afterthought.

“I was kind of going for the whole not-worrying you thing,” Lance admits, though now that he’s on his feet, the thought of curling back into Lotor’s arms in bed is probably the only thing keeping him going, his whole body feels worn and shaky.

“Let me worry,” Lotor shrugs. He reaches his hand, long fingers threading through Lance’s as they walk toward the exit. “I like to exercise all my many talents.”

Lance pulls a silly face as Lotor can’t keep a straight-one. As feverish as he feels, it’s hard to be miserable when Lotor’s doing his best to cheer him up, Lotor so seldom attempts to be teasing that Lance feels oddly touched.

“Thanks for coming to get me,” Lance murmurs, he squeezes Lotor’s hand as Lotor pushes against the door handle. He wants to say more- I missed you, or you told me so, but the sentence breaks off in coughing, and Lotor suddenly looks a good deal more concerned.

“Sorry. Just a sore throat-” Lance manages, his eyes are tearing as Lotor offers his sleeve, then tries the door again.

“What time does this place happen to close?” asks Lotor, in exactly the sort of lighthearted tone that makes Lance raise an eyebrow, give a crooked smile.

“Ha-ha,” Lance says hoarsely, then wraps his arms fondly around Lotor’s waist, pretends to pin him to the wall. “As much as I love you, I can’t even pretend to fall for that one, my skills as a theatre-major can only go so far, and then-”

Lance pushes into the door, intending to open it with a dramatic flourish and sweep Lotor into the foyer. Instead, he bangs his shoulder against solid glass, the foyer lights stay completely dark, and the library remains, completely and unequivocally, locked.

“Ahh, my cunning deceptions foiled once more,” Lotor says warmly, and in spite of everything his expression makes Lance laugh all over again, then muffle a second fit of coughing as Lotor pats his back in regret.

“Oh man,” Lance sniffles, and Lotor draws him soothingly against his chest, mumbling things like oh dear, and let me get your some water, while Lance tries and fails to make a joke in return.

“Oh man,” Lance starts again, when he can breathe. “So I’m finally locked in a really cool place with a really hot guy, and… I can already tell this won’t end in us making out all night.”

Lotor, who had been pressing a gentle kiss to Lance’s hair, peeks down as Lance winks up at him.

“I’ll fetch you that drink of water,” Lotor says after a moment, the tips of his ears ever so slightly flushed as he takes a backward step toward the vending machine. “And-”

Lance’s heart does a strange, swoopy thing as his boyfriend pauses, then glares, waves his hand in the general direction of the bookshelves.

“-and you really need to reevaluate your definition of a cool place,” Lotor finishes, then stalks determinedly around the corner without so much as a second glance.

Lance slouches against the wall, grinning.

Then, with no more than a mild curiosity, takes another look at the door.

…seriously?

Lance crouches down, hands shuffling through his backpack for a pen. It looks a lot like one of the locks from his old high school, the ones intended to prevent seniors sneaking out to the mall during free periods.

Lance squints, presses his tongue between his teeth as he levers the nib of the pen below the catch. There’s a soft click, and Lance sits back on his heels, far too pleased with himself.

“Lance, shall I get us some snacks too?” Lotor calls from the opposite wing, though he sounds like he’s wrestling enough with the vending machine as it is. “They have chips… or, chocolate? Or colourful… jellys? I think?”

Lance smiles, he’s about to yell that he’s cracked the case when Lotor pops his head around the corner. Despite Lance’s lack of an answer, he seems to have purchased at least one of everything.

“I haven’t tried any of these,” says Lotor, and he flops back down next to Lance, looks more tangled than comfortable as he crosses his legs. “But sugar’s always nice when I’m not feeling well. And these look interesting-”

Lotor opens one of the water bottles, then rustles for his bag of jelly snakes and holds them out somewhat hopefully.

“They’re actually my favourite when I’m sick,” Lance says honestly, watches as Lotor pops one into his mouth, his expression crumpling in surprise a second later.

“Very sticky,” Lotor mumbles in appreciation, doesn’t wait until he’s finished before trying another. Lance smiles.

“As cheesy as this is going to sound,” Lance says, and he tips the bag at various angles, trying to find Lotor a rare strawberry-flavoured one. “This is kind of making me feel better. I wouldn’t even mind if we were locked-in.”

Lotor gives him a quizzical glance, his stare travelling from the door handle to Lance’s dismantled pen on the floor. Lance is just about to demonstrate, when another idea occurs to him. If all the locks happen to be like this…

“We’re not-?” Lotor starts.

“Have you ever seen the roof of this place?” Lance says at the same time, and recognition flickers in Lotor’s eyes, he looks vaguely impressed.

“At night?” Lance continues, he gets to his feet and holds out both hands to pull Lotor up. “Like, for stargazing?”

“I haven’t…” Lotor says slowly, unreadable. “But perhaps-”

“Just for a few minutes,” Lance reassures him. “Just while we have the chance.”

“You are trying to charm me into staying,” Lotor says tenderly, but he allows Lance to tug him across the space, watches with no small degree of fascination as Lance uses his pen to release the lock to the stairwell instead.

“And it’s totally working,” Lance winks. “Looks like I was wrong- I’m finally locked in the library with my crush, and now I get to use all my ametuer badass skills to win him over!”

“Out of curiosity,” laughs Lotor, and he brushes a hand self-consciously over his mouth, eyebrows tipping as his cheeks warm all over again. “If that person also happens to be your partner, may I ask how long before-”

“Yeah, never,” Lance grins, and this time when he pushes into the door on the uppermost level, it actually opens.

And it’s way more impressive than the library foyer.

“Wow,” whispers Lance, and though his voice is low, it carries across the empty rooftop, fades into the dusting of stars above. Lotor’s shoulders lift with a breath, he tips his head back, silvery hair silhouetted against the sky.

“Pretty cool place, huh,” Lance whispers, Lotor stares unblinking at the dark. It’s one of those strange, quiet moments Lance could never have seen coming, wouldn’t trade to be anywhere else.

“This is not what I expected,” Lotor says huskily, and he ghosts a hand to Lance’s jaw, gently dips his cheek against Lance’s warmer one. “Being here makes me think all sorts of silly things. That I’d like to take you up there. That one day, I will.”

“If anyone could,” murmurs Lance, and he means it, it’s one of those nights where the universe feels close enough to reach, all unfinished thoughts and smiles swapped when the other isn’t looking.

Somewhere between a shooting star and Lotor worrying they’ve been out long enough, Lance manages to catch one, the helpless sort of grin that Lotor hates people seeing, loose and uneven and entirely unsuppressed.

Lance smiles back.

For now, here is enough.

[aghzawa]

for @lancelotweek ( I’m not sure if this is showing up in the tag! :’3 )

[houseofpaincakes]

@lancelotweek day 7: promises/commitment

[gemmaroses]

Lance has been Lotor's mate for a while now, but they still have to make it Official official. Of course, when you're dating the Emperor, things can't be as easy as just telling people you're togther. No, it has to be done Traditionally.

My piece for @lancelotweek Day 6! 1.2k of Lotor getting Lance ready for a traditional galran pre-engagement ceremony.

[the-glow-in-the-dark-star]

Why me?

@lancelotweek day 6: strengths / insecurities

Words: 1, 428

A/n: um… I think I played a bit loosely with this prompt but eh. Also, this fic is an Au, and doesn’t go with the other ones.

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Keep reading

[etcwrites]

The Convoluted Dance

Lancelot Week Day 6 @lancelotweek

Prompt: strengths/insecurities

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences 

Status: Completed

Summary:

There are a few moments when Lance sees it.

One day it is at the corner of Lotor’s smile, the other, it is in his clenched fists as he refuses to give up.

And sometimes -  

Sometimes… Lance can even see it in himself.

AO3 Link

“Alright, team! Look alive!”

Lance adjusts his rifle, voice full of energy as his fingers make quick work of his gun, the scope soon focusing to show the crowd filing the avenue. “And don’t get caught with your pants down”

“Tch!”

“Ahahahaha! Lance!”

“Alvarez, SHUT up!”                

“Hey!” Lance argues, voice going high in indignation even though a smile spreads across his lips.

“First of all,” he chats, fingers checking the mechanism of his rifle and making sure it is locked on the ledge. “Zethrid! Rude! Didn’t I ask you to call me Lance?”

He makes a disappointed noise at the back of his throat.  

“Second, how could you?! I shared all of my hair braiding secrets with you!”

“Alvarez!”

“He is right you know, I mean he DID share his trade secrets with you"

“Thank you!”

“Ezor, for fucks sake, not you too!”

“Can we please focus on the job at hand?!”

Hearing Acxa’s tone they all fall quiet.

Then…

“Just saying,” Lance murmurs, making sure his voice conveys a perfect kicked puppy imitation. “I feel so betrayed.”

“Lance!“

“Yeess?”

“Enough.”

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[the-glow-in-the-dark-star]

And Then it all Came Crashing Down

@lancelotweek day 7: Promises/ Commitment

Words: 952

A/n: Alright, last one! I was actually going to write more, but then I decided I wanted an open ending? Anyway, you might hate me for the ending.

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[houseofpaincakes]

@lancelotweek day 6: strengths/insecurities

two baes talkin things out

[etcwrites]

Steal me through Time

Lancelot Week Day 5 @lancelotweek

Prompt: past/future

Rating: Explicit

Status: Ongoing 1/3

Summary:

“Speak."      

"Are you a thief? Because you sure did steal my heart!”

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Lotor is a professional. Surrounded by contingency plans and a vicious drive, he runs the tightest, possibly the meanest crew in the region. He has seen and heard everything and has all of it under control.

Until… the universe decides to introduce a talented, arrogant, flirtatious thief.

AO3 Link

Chapter 1: The Past

Lotor adjusted his ear piece, before fingers swiftly pulling his long hair into a meticulous bun. “Team” he called out, high tech goggles providing him with the most recommended trajectory for a successful roof to roof access. “Report”

A second later Acxa’s calm voice reached him. “In position, all is quiet.”

Then a second later, a booming voice" We are at the Southeast corner, ready to move sir. Narti has almost cracked it"

“Ufh! I can’t believe I’m missing a 150ft zip-line!”

Lotor smiled at Ezor’s whine indulgently. “Now..now..” he commented, checking his backpack and rope once again. “You’ll get your chance Ezor, once your leg is healed.”

“But-”

“Patience..”

As Ezor fell quiet, Lotor quickly checked the time then reaching down pulled the small plastic bazooka on his shoulder. Immediately the goggles adjusted the trajectory. “Alright,” he said, this time tone commanding and leaving nothing for questioning. “On my mark. 1…2…now!”

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[ambivalentlangst]

Lancelot Week: Hero/Villain

My first creation for @lancelotweek ! I’m honestly not sure if I’m going to be able to keep up with the whole week, but I couldn’t walk away without any contribution so here we are! A short Drabble I wrote in about thrifty minutes featuring police officer Lotor and cute thief with tragic anime backstory Lance. Enjoy!

-

Lotor had a problem. A problem dressed in a skin tight bodysuit that only served to further solidify Lotor’s already pretty clear sexuality. The thing was, being the only gay policeman on the local force did not bother Lotor, because about the first time someone got the idea to comment about it Lotor could suckerpunch them with a perfectly manicured hand hard enough to make the room spin. Abuse of power? Perhaps, but Shiro never reported it to Allura so it probably didn’t matter. What did matter, was the robber that kept popping up with a very cute smirk that made Lotor’s heart beat a little faster than what could possibly be healthy. A problem indeed.

It was with infuriating repetitiveness that the boy kept showing up, waiting for the police to arrive before he slipped out of the freaking window or something and took off to god knows where. If Lotor had a thing for seeing that spandex clad ass turn tail and disappear from sight, nobody needed to know.

The first night had been unexpected.

A break in at the most notorious jeweler in town, a string of diamonds stolen, and a flash of the smirk that would serve to haunt Lotor’s dreams for months to come.

The second marked the start of a trend.

The thief, dubbed Blue for his outfit of choice and mask that only left his eyes of the same color revealed, hit hard and got out fast. He snatched up only the most valuable items, stuffing his pockets for as long as possible and giving the police ample time to come to secure him. Then he, that fast little shit, always managed to sneak out without so much as a shifting of the air to indicate which way he’d gone. Lotor was a pining mess.

It was on the third or fourth meeting that he finally got the start of a conversation.

“Blue!” Lotor had growled, vaulting a counter blocking the way to the safe Blue had just robbed. He was lagging tonight, appeared to be maintaining a limp that dogged him badly in a way that wasn’t normal. Lotor capitalized on that, and cornered him into the very safe he’d just stolen from.

“Officer,” the thief replied easily, yelping as he dodged a punch. Blue had managed to swipe his gun back in the lobby, but had yet to pull it. Lotor dropped, swinging his leg around in a move he’d learned from Ezor to make the thief trip. He went down, but rolled to avoid Lotor’s larger form coming down to pin him. “So good to meet you again!” Lotor lurched to the side in an effort to spare himself a kick coming from the man.

“Goddamnit, you’re making me life difficult, Blue.” The thief had the gall to laugh, and Lotor lunged forward. Neither could land a hit, and it was more like an intricate dance between the two of them. Somehow in the scuffle the thief had gotten his back to the door, and slipped out while Lotor gave chase. He followed him up the stairs and to the roof, where they both paused for a split second, out of breath. Unfortunately, the thief recovered first and Lotor found himself pushed to the ground while the thief straddled his waist.

“Sorry about that, officer. Have to do what you have to do.” He was a lot stronger than he looked from his slight figure, and as Lotor looked up into his sweaty face, a devious smirk carving through the night in a flash of white, he found himself enamored. Blue appeared to be able to tell he was dazed and lurched away quickly, going to the roof’s edge. Lotor chased after, only to see the boy tense like a toy ready to spring, and jump to the nearby building. Ah, so that was how he did it. He could tell the boy was ready to bolt, but that wasn’t happening just yet, not after the fantastic chase he’d given Lotor.

“Wait!” he called, and Blue paused, his head turning towards Lotor.

“What is it, officer?” His tone was teasing, turning the title into more of an endearment. Lotor would think about that later with a flush on his face, but for now he had more pressing thoughts.

“Why? Why do you do it? Don’t you care about the people who need the money you have?” Blue’s expression darkened, the ensuing laughter humorless and with a bite to it.

“What do those people care about me?” he replied harshly. “Listen, officer. I know the police tend to think the world is black and white, and people like me are the scum of it, but when the world turns its back on you, at some point you have to do the same if you want to get by. If you want those you care about to get by.” His expression softened, but the sudden anger had been replaced with a tender ache, the kind that came from a lifetime of steady disappointment. That same sad face was suddenly transformed with a sultry curl of Blue’s lips, and Lotor felt his heart seize in his chest.

“Keep that in mind, yeah? Until next time, officer.” And with a wink of one striking blue eye, Lotor’s thief disappeared from sight, taking the officer’s heart as an addition to his loot.

[ambivalentlangst]

Lancelot Week: Love/Hate

Presenting an angsty twist on the love bug au, here we go with @lancelotweek Day 2!

-

Just a week ago, Lotor was fine. Not exactly at ease, but fine. He had something that was almost trust with the Voltron alliance, but not quite. There was too much edge, too much hate and bitterness in the eyes of his hosts. That was, except for the blue, er, red paladin. It was all very confusing.

Oh of course he remembered to be careful, was not nearly as touchy and open as he was with his real teammates, but he was at least at ease around him. It was his caring that got him assigned to work with Lotor for a mission. Lance, the paladin in question, had convinced his teammates that it would be good bonding to take Lotor on a mission. Nothing life threatening, naturally. Just a simple excursion to see how each other worked in the field without being in danger of getting murdered. That was fine with Lotor.

That stupid insect had been the downfall of it all.

Lotor had heard tales of the little beast, more affectionately dubbed a love bug. A single bite would have whoever the victim was following after the first person they looked at, absolutely enraptured, for several days.

Lotor never wanted that, but when Lance flung himself into his arms with a grin and held his face in his hands to plant a kiss on his lips, Lotor was far too stunned to react. The paladin, the red paladin of Voltron, was looking at him like he was his entire world. This was bad, and Lotor felt his stomach knot viciously within him. He’d never been stared at like that, with such simple love and devotion. He desperately found himself wanting more, but there was a hitch.

Even if Lance had not been under the influence of the bite, he was former red paladin’s boyfriend. Lotor did not miss the way his fellow halfbreed cringed and walked out of the room as Lance draped himself over him, eyes shining with fervor and adoration.

“Did you know you are the most beautiful creature in the entire universe?” He’d asked him, while his teammates glared. Lotor had smiled, more patronizing than anything, as Lance stared at him expectantly, with childish enthusiasm.

“You are not horrible yourself, paladin.” Lance had gone pink in his cheeks, his breathing coming faster.

“Oh my god you think I’m pretty!” he squealed. Lotor did not deny it, or the kisses that followed. He couldn’t possibly bring himself to tell the poor boy to stop, not when that would mean losing the warm, lithe way his body pressed against his when he insisted on embracing him, or the soft weight on Lotor’s chest in the morning as he woke up to find the boy he had most pointedly locked out of his room for the night. Lance was persistent, and Lotor eventually caved. He did not rub it in, not during meals that were eaten in tense silence while Lance sat on Lotor’s lap and tried to feed him food goo while his real lover watched, but he did not deny his advances when they were alone. He craved the way Lance’s long, tanned fingers felt gently combing through his hair, or the incessant grip on Lotor’s clawed hand, entirely ignoring the danger there. Lotor did not let it show, but oh how he adored it, and deep within him a sort of tender want formed, pulsing in a way Lotor could not possibly ignore. He cared for this boy, this paladin who doted on him so willingly.

The bite lasted a week, and Lotor could not remember a time he had been happier.

That last beautiful night, they had fallen asleep on the couch after watching a movie picked up from a store the earthlings had found. Lance had been leaning against Lotor, who had eventually succumbed to sleep with the steady rhythm of Lance’s breath on the skin of his neck as his lullaby.

When Lotor woke, Lance was gone.

He had been warned, of course. Lance would not remember anything that had happened while he’d still been feeling the affects of the bite. Still, when he saw his paladin with his sparkling eyes and smile brighter than any sun Lotor had seen that morning back with his true lover, it stung. Lotor walked away from the dining hall after lingering a few precious moments in the doorway. He did not miss the easy, natural flow of conversation and cheer that taunted him as he fled. No, of that he was acutely aware. It just went to show that Lotor did not get love, and never would. He was a fool for offering his heart, but and oh so quickly it’s new owner had forgotten about such a possession. Lotor had found his love, but just as soon it had deserted him.