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Rock-a-Bye-Baby

Summary:

On a patrol for the planet of Ospion Keith and Lance heard the cries in the woods of a forest. In a hollowed out tree they find an abandoned Galra baby. The two now have to figure out how to take care of an alien baby of the enemy race all with a disapproving Allura and Galra attacks.

This had been sitting in my AO3 for so long so I decided to post it here too! It’s domestic Klance with Galra Keith coming on later in the story! Enjoy!

(1) __ (2) __ (3) __ (4) __ (5 epilogue)

Chapter 1 - The Abandoned Child

The ground crunched underneath Keith and Lance’s feet as they patrolled their assigned area. The sound was very reminiscent of the crunching leaf’s back on earth but they both put that to the back of their head focusing on their mission. The planet they were on, which was named Ospion, had once been a colonized Galra residence before the natives decided to rebel and take back their planet. They won much to the surprise of some, but they had put out a distress call nonetheless to make sure it was completely safe. And so, Voltron had answered the call and all five paladins were securing large sections of where Galra settlements had been, making sure no one was still there.

“Ugh, how much more do we have to patrol?” Lance asked Keith who looked just as bored as he did at the moment.

“We’re not even half way done yet.” Keith answered looking at the radar they brought with them to help keep track of where they had been. They two men sighed annoyed. They had long put away their bayards too tired carrying them after so long.

“I probably wouldn’t mind this so much if the Ospions helped us, ya know? I mean yeah, they did just fight off the Galra but to inspect the whole planet? Five people can’t do that by themselves.” Lance kicked at stray rock in his path watching as it hit a tree down the pathway.

“Well we don’t exactly have a choice in the matter. We already asked them to help and they denied. We’ll just have to deal with it.” Keith answered, however, he was just as miffed. He didn’t want to patrol a whole planet for a race that was gone and was currently wreaking havoc in other parts in the universe.

Lance grumbled slouching as he walked which was slowing their already sluggish pace down even more. They were sure that the others were just as annoyed with the mission as they were. They knew that Pidge was the most annoyed out of them all. They had used the Galra tracker that was installed on the ship and reported to the natives that they were safe, but they didn’t want to trust any “strange foreign technology”. So, they were forced to suit up and track by foot while Allura and Coran tried to settle an alliance with the natives.

The two kept walking and entered a strange looking forest section. The ground and trees had changed shape and color, but it wasn’t the change of scenery that caught their attention, it was the sound of crying. Loud and desperate cries. Worried it might be one of the planet’s people they raced through the forest towards the sound. It lead to a clearing in the forest and they were able to track it to a single tree on the edge of the clearing.

“That sounds like a baby. Who would leave a baby out in the forest like this?” Lance asked as he and Keith walked over to the tree where the sound was coming from and noticed it had been hastily hollowed out. Inside was a baby wrapped up in blanket crying out.

Lance bent down and picked it up worried it might be hurt. It didn’t stop crying but he pulled back the blanket to take a closer look at it. They were both surprised to see the distinct features of the Galra. It had fluffy ears although they were drooped downward, the bright yellow eyes, and the unmistakable purple coloring that all Galra possessed.

“It’s a Galra baby. What’s it doing out here?” Lance asked. The baby was still crying but it was a bit quieter now that it was being held instead of laying down in a tree.

“Well the people here did throw a rebellion. Maybe the parents put it here hoping to come back for it later when it was safe. I’m just surprised it’s survived this long. It’s been a few days since we got their call and got here.”

“Yeah me too. We can’t leave it here though. It’ll die. As much as I hate the Galra I don’t like the thought of a leaving a baby out here alone.” Lance was now trying to sooth the baby by lightly bouncing it in his arms.

“Lance, we can’t take it back with us if that’s what you’re thinking. No one on the ship knows how to take care of a baby let alone a Galra baby. Besides what would Allura say when you brought it back on the castle? She resented me for a long time for being Galra, I’m pretty sure she won’t let you keep their baby.” He crossed his arms looking down at the purple alien. It was jarring to see a baby of the one race that they had been trying to stop. While they had been fighting horrendous beats this baby was so small and gentle. It was the opposite of what he was used to seeing out of this race.

“It doesn’t matter. It’s a baby Keith! Maybe she’ll understand if we just explain it. We should tell the others though and head back. Patrolling this area can wait.” Holding the baby with one arm while his other hand had tapped a button on his helmet, getting hold of the other paladins. “Hey guys, you there?”

“Lance, hey are you alright? What’s that crying I here?” It was Shiro.

“We’re fine, Shiro. The crying is actually what we wanted to talk to you about. Keith and I found this abandoned Galra baby while we were patrolling. We wanted to bring it back to the castle.”

“A Galra baby?!” Now it was Pidge. “Lance, you do realize that Allura isn’t going to allow you to keep it right? Besides do you know the first thing about taking care of a baby?”

“I can’t just leave it to die, Pidge! Besides its not dangerous. It’s not like it’s going to call Zarkon and give him our position to attack us. And for your information, yes, I do. My family is huge I know a thing or two about babies.”

A sigh was heard and Lance knew it was Shiro. “What does Keith think about it. I mean you both found it, it should be your guy’s decision.”

Keith adjusted his footing staring at the baby who had finally calmed down to sniffles. “I’m just nervous about bringing it on board. We don’t have the resources and it I’m afraid it would hinder us.” The baby turned its head towards Keith, its yellow eyes staring into his purple ones and he felt a strong pull towards it. A powerful sense of protection surged through him at that moment. “But, at the same time I don’t really want to leave it to die either so… let’s bring it with us.”

Lance smiled at him and heard Shiro agree to let them take it and how it was their responsibilities. But instead all Keith could concentrate on was how his chest filled with warmth at Lance’s smile. He shook his head and coughed trying to rid of the feeling.

“Okay we’re on our way back then! See you guys back at the castle!” Lance turned off the comms and turned in the direction they had come from ready to get back to the comfort of the ship. Keith followed right beside him still staring at the baby who hadn’t taken their eyes off him. It wasn’t unnerving that it was looking at him, what was unnerving was the strong need to hold it. He wanted to take the baby out of Lance’s arm and hold it himself. But he didn’t know how to hold a baby! Besides Lance was much better with kids than he was.

Keith finally looked away from it which made it whine. They outstretched their tiny hands towards him making little grabbing sounds trying to get Keith’s attention again. It startled both paladins who looked down at the baby. Tears were starting to form again and neither of them wanted to hear it crying again.

“You want to hold them? It seems like it wants you.” Lance suggested.

“I don’t know the first thing about holding a baby! Besides why would it want me?” As he said those words though the pull was getting stronger and he found himself moving closer to the baby.

“You just hold them. Cradle them in your arms, like that. You’ve had practice doing that before, right?” As Lance laid the baby in the other’s arms he walked away and Keith’s head snapped up.

Wait a minute. He remembered the moment! He was about to say something when Lance interrupted.

“Come on, Mullet Head, I’d rather get there sooner than later!”

Keith sighed and jogged carefully to meet up with him while the warm feeling seeped back into his chest at the sound of contempt baby in his arms.

XXX

When Keith and Lance arrived, it didn’t take long for the others to return. Allura was able to convince the Ospion king to let them rest and continue their search tomorrow. It was a relief for them to hear they got to rest, but the two boys were worried about the princess’ reaction to what they found. Even though it was their decision to bring it back to the castle, it was Allura who had the final say. It was her ship after all so it was only fair. Which was why their fears were high at her decision.

So, when they were able to change out of their suits and back into their regular clothes they were trying to think of the best way to go about it. Should they stall it by dragging it out or just go straight in and let her know right away?

“Ugh, she is not going to take this well.” Keith said. He was still holding the baby as it refused to leave his arms for more than a second.

“I won’t let her leave it here to die. That’s cruel even if it is a Galra child.” Lance argued. They were both standing outside the door to the dining area and everybody was waiting on them to enter so they could all eat.

“I know, but we don’t have a choice if she says no. It’s her ship so it’s her final say.” Even at Keith’s own words it hurt to hear. He was still wary about the child, but the strong pull towards it was dulling out his other skeptical side of bringing a Galra baby on board. He didn’t even notice his arms were wound more securely around the baby until it grabbed his shirt bringing his attention down to it.

“So what? We’re supposed to just throw it back out of the castle and let it starve to death? Or let one of the planets people see it and kill it?” Lance was getting agitated, he obviously wanted to keep the baby safe from harm. He stared Keith down, his eyes daring him to argue against him.

Keith sighed. “I’m not saying that, I’m just letting you know what Allura might tell you.” Looking down at the child still it eyes were trained on him, yellow staring into purple. Keith tensed up making a decision. “Let’s just go in. We’ll deal with Allura if she tries to say anything.” Bringing his gaze back up to Lance he saw that the other approved, now it was a matter of actually doing it.

Lance was the first to enter and Allura smiled, “Ah there you two are I was starting to get worri—“ Her words stopped as soon as Keith came in holding the child. Her gaze hardened as she looked at the child and then towards Keith. “What is the meaning of this? Why is there a Galra on my ship?” The air around the room had instantly become tense. All paladins and Coran looked worryingly at Allura and Keith. It was clear what she was thinking in that moment.

Keith stood strong as ever his gaze never wavering from its hard scowl. It was clear he was intent on speaking his piece before she did.

“It’s a Galra baby Lance and I found while patrolling the planet. It was inside a hallowed out tree clearing trying to be protected from any danger. We brought it here not wanting it die.”

“It doesn’t matter where you found it, I don’t want it on my ship.” She said, her voice almost strained and obviously not happy with the situation.

“Why not? It’s not going to cause any harm.”

“Yeah! It’s just a baby, Allura. It’s not going to hurt us. It’s harmless.” Lance was now standing next to Keith trying to persuade her. The rest of the room was silent almost afraid of saying anything to upset them.

Allura’s gaze only hardened. Even with the recent help of their Blade of Marmora allies, Allura was still skeptical of the Galra, and it was clear that a baby was no exception to her.

“I don’t care if it’s a baby, I don’t want any Galra on my ship!” She was standing her back straight and her words firm. Keith contained a wince at her words. Even after Allura’s apologies after finding out he was Galra there was still a little strain on a few things. He thought that she didn’t realize her words in that moment but it still hurt.

The baby rustled in his hold obviously uncomfortable with the high tension. The sounds of distress were obvious but Keith was reluctant to look away from Allura’s challenging stare. Luckily it was Shiro who noticed this and decided to step in.

“Princess,” Shiro stood from his seat, “if I may. The baby is their responsibility. I suggest that if they are able to take care of it and it doesn’t cause a problem they should be able to keep it, if not then they do what you say and it won’t stay on the ship.”

Neither of them liked the option fully, but it was better than bickering and it was the most logical. So they both settled on it. Keith and Lance both took to their seats with their food and sat down. As they ate and fed the baby it was still a very tense and awkward dinner. Keith sighed knowing that the future was not going to be easy for them.

XXX

They ended up feeding the baby two big bowls of food goo and they were now sleeping peacefully. Keith himself was feeling tired himself with how long of a day it was. First patrolling such large parts of a planet, finding a child, and then an awkward dinner with the team, he was definitely feeling the effects of sleep take over.

Lance was with him in the common area, with him now holding the child. Keith’s arms had gotten tired holding them for so long so after their eyes closed and was asleep, Lance had taken over so Keith could have a break. Which was a good thing too, because his eyes had started dropping from tiredness and he didn’t want to accidentally drop the baby. Keith still didn’t understand what had come over him being so protective. Yes, of course he didn’t want a child to die even a Galra one, but it didn’t explain his sudden strong need to protect. He was never good with kids back on earth and never had the same reaction with them as he did with this one. So, he didn’t understand the sudden change of that. However, he was still far too tired to care to figure it out and left that headache for the morning.

“So what are we going to name ‘em?” Lance’s voice had interrupted his small brief period of silence.

“What? Name who?” His eyes were still closed hoping to gain a little sleep soon.

“Who else? The baby obviously. We can’t just call them the ‘baby’ or ‘it’, they have to have a name!” Even with him being energetic he still managed to keep his voice down as not to disturb the child in question nestled in his arms.

“Uh… well I don’t know. What names did you have in mind?” He cracked an eye open at his point looking over at Lance.

“Well a few actually however I don’t know if they’re a boy, girl, or if Galra even have genders.” He was looking at Keith almost asking for an answer. At this Keith realized he wasn’t going to get any sleep so he sat up with both eyes open.

“How should I know? Besides I’m not changing any diapers to find out.” He crossed his arms his face twisted in disgust at the thought of touching a dirty diaper.

Lance scoffed sounding offended. “Ugh, rude, Keith. This is a team effort now which means you’re on diaper duty too.” He ignored the disgusted sound of protest and expression. “Well, until we find out, I think I’m going to call them Veronica. It’s my little sisters name and I think it fits perfectly.” He smiled down at, now named, Veronica and made sure she was still nestled safely in his arms.

When Keith looked at the two of them something inside his chest made him feel warm. The sight of Lance holding Veronica in his arm with a small smile warmed his chest and he couldn’t help but think that he liked the look. The look of Lance as he held their ch—

Keith shook his head before that thought finished his cheeks red and hot. Unfortunately, Lance noticed him and asked him what was wrong, which Keith replied with “nothing”.

“Dude, you’re red and he were just shaking your head like something was wrong. What’s up?”

“I said it was nothing.” He frowned with his usual scowl and that seemed to end the conversation as Lance sighed and got up from the couch.

“Whatever. I’m going to bed. I’m tired and I really want to get some sleep before Veronica wakes up in a few hours crying.” With that he left Keith alone in the room with a red face and a confused mind.

It took him a few minutes to collect himself and stand up from the couch. Just like Lance he was very tired and in need of some serious sleep. He already knew that the morning was going to be difficult. When he reached his room, he kicked off his boots and barley managed to change for sleep before he landed face first into his bed. He sighed into the bed, the long rough day making the bed feel so much softer and comfortable than normal. He was easily swept into sleep as his eyes closed and let his body fully relax.

XXX

The morning had gone by quickly, but quietly as everyone but Lance arrived and ate their morning meal. It had been tense still between Keith and Allura over the Galra incident which they had taken to only interacting for Voltron purposes. It was well in the afternoon that Lance had shown up. Normally they would have woken him up much earlier but after the events last night they had let him sleep in. They all knew that he had gotten up a few times during the night to take care of the new addition to the castle. When Lance entered the common area, where the paladins were relaxing, he still looked tired and most likely skipped out on his morning face routine. He held a squirming Veronica in his arms who seemed well rested but uncomfortable.

“Well, someone doesn’t look happy.” Shiro was looking at the squirming child with a sympathetic expression.

“She’s been like this ever since she woke up last night. I don’t know what the problem is.” Lance readjusted his hold as Veronica had disrupted it with her constant moving around.

“She looks uncomfortable. Maybe it’s the sudden change of environment?” Keith said as he was relaxed back against the couch. At the sound of his voice, however, Veronica had stopped her squirming for only a second only to start kicking and making irritated sounds. Lance in shock had to quickly readjust at the sudden change of action.

“Woah! What the heck?!” Lance was now holding her up with her chest against his for a more stable hold. It didn’t seem to help any as she turned around her small hands reaching out towards Keith.

“Looks like she wants you again.”

“What, why me?” He was stiff as Lance walked over to him fully ready to hand her over.

“I don’t know but if it gets her to calm down I’m all for giving her to you.” He placed her in Keith arms when he reached him and Veronica finally calmed down. Her face was scrunched up slightly but looked a lot calmer than a few seconds ago. She was no longer squirming or kicking and her hand had clutched onto a part of his shirt tightly. It was clear she was not leaving his arms anytime soon.

Keith was still slightly stiff but the same feeling from yesterday of holding her was back and he actually felt a sense of relief as well. It was also nice to see Lance relax against the couch, and Keith felt a little guilty. He felt he should have taken Veronica last night, but then again, he wouldn’t have known what to do when she had woken up.

“Why does she keep wanting me to hold her? It was like this yesterday, I don’t know anything about babies or kids. I don’t want to do something wrong.” His hold was stiff but Veronica didn’t seem to care. She had become more lax in his arms and her face was no longer scrunched up, however, she still had a vice grip on his shirt.

“It’s possible that she feels more comfortable around you because of your genes. I mean you are part Galra she may recognize that and feel safer with someone like her.” Shiro said. He was the first to know about his Galra heritage and the first to accept him. He was still careful about his words around Keith surrounding the subject even after multiple times telling him it was okay. Still he appreciated the gesture.

“I guess. I’m just not sure how to take care of a Galra baby. I mean they’re much different from earth babies as far as I can tell. I don’t know what they need.”

“Well why not ask Allura and Coran? I’m sure they’d be able to look some stuff up for you guys on their computer and get the right information.”

Keith cringed at the option. He was still on edge around her as was obvious by the tense morning. He could ask Coran but he was siding with the princess which made talking to him awkward as well. He was more understanding but it was still tense with him too.

“Alright I guess I’ll go.” He stood up already bracing himself for the awkward encounter. “Hey Lance, do you want to come w---“ He stopped mid-sentence when he saw Lance passed out on the couch. His chest was a slow and steady rise and fall, his lashes rested gently on his cheeks, and Keith felt his cheeks warm and his heart race. ‘Okay time to leave!’

He quickly left the room already knowing what would happen or what would have been said if he stayed. His heart finally dropped down to a normal pace as he reached the control room where Allura and Coran spent most of their time making sure everything was in order. He was still against seeing them this soon but he needed to know how to take care of Veronica correctly, so he braced himself and walked in. The automatic doors closed behind him and it caught the attention of both the Alteans in the room. Allura narrowed her eyes upon seeing both Keith and the baby and quickly turned her head away. Coran must have noticed she wouldn’t say anything and stepped in for her.

“Ah Keith, what can we do for you today?” He put on a brave face much like Keith had.

“Well, I was hoping you guys might had some information on how to take care of Veronica here. Human babies are a lot different from Galra ones I’m guessing so I don’t really know the process of taking care of one.” Before Coran could speak Allura lifted her head from what she was working on to look at Keith.

“Wait, Veronica. Who’s that?”

“It’s what we named the baby.” Keith looked down at said child who looked up at him. Allura made a sound that she heard him but was now no longer interested. The air became tense again and Veronica squirmed and cried out softly making Keith quickly rock her the best he could to make her feel better. Coran thankfully started talking again to clear the air.

“We do have some information on the ship about Galra and their home and lifestyle so there should be childcare there. It is 10,000 years old so I’m not sure how accurate some of the information is. However, I don’t think anything has changed too much in that aspect hopefully!” He smiled making Keith feel a little better than before. “Come on over up here and I’ll get the information for you.” Keith walked past Allura who was back to her previous task and stood next to Coran as he looked up information that Keith couldn’t read and started to scroll through getting the necessary information.

During this Veronica looked up and set her eyes on his mustache. She giggled and reached up only managed to hit it lightly with her hand, however it was enough to grab his attention. With new vigor, she reached up higher and managed to grab it which pulled Coran away completely from his task with a pained yelp. Keith moved in a way so the grab wasn’t hurting the other and managed to uncurl her fingers from his mustache.

“Ah sorry about that Coran.” Veronica was happily giggling pleased that managed to achieve her task.

“No, it’s alright. I’m sure she was just curious is all. She is quite cute though.” He smiled getting back to his task quickly finishing it up. “Here it is.” He picked up a tablet and handed it to Keith. “I transferred all the data you may find necessary and translated for you to read it your language.”

“Thanks Coran. This will help tremendously.” Keith smiled gratefully.

“Of course, anything you need I’ll be here to help.”

The paladin smiled and thanked him once again before leaving and started reading the new information on the tablet. Of course, it was a little hard because Veronica’s eyes were glued to the glowing screen and reached her tiny hands toward it wanting to play with it. He held out of her way but it was hard to hold her and the tablet at once.

“You’re going to keep being a nuisance, aren’t you?” He asked rhetorically. He had made it all the way back to the commons area before she finally, but reluctantly, stopped reaching towards the tablet. It was evident by her sniffles that she wasn’t happy, but he paid them no mind.

As he sat down on the couch he noticed that he had sat down next to Lance who was still asleep. He was a little more slumped over than when he left with his neck bent at an awkward angle. Keith knew from experience that it would be sore when he woke up, so he sat down Veronica on the couch and gently tried to move him to a more comfortable position. He heard a snicker and looked up to see Pidge glancing at them over her computer.

“Having fun taking care of your boyfriend, Keith?” Keith blushed at her comment and glared.

“He’s not my boyfriend.” He tried to sound confident but it faltered. Pidge raised her brow at him skeptically.

“You have baby with him, you both named it together, and now you’re gently moving him around as he sleeps.” Keith grumbled at her comment clearly trying to pay her no mind. The blush was evident on his face which made her snicker more.

“Alright, Pidge, don’t tease him.” Shiro said, even though he had a bit of a smile as well.

In the meantime, Veronica had crawled over the small space onto Lance’s chest and just laid there. She seemed content there. However, the moment was ruined when a loud blaring sound came through the speakers. Lance shot up immediately waking him from his sleep. Since Keith was leaned over Lance they ended up bumping heads when he sat up causing them both to groan in pain.

“Paladins!” Allura’s voice came through the speakers. “The Galra are here and are trying to attack to the ship! Get to your lions now!”

While the other three paladins in the room got up and ran to the hangers. Keith and Lance took a nervous look at Veronica who was now upset by the sudden loud noise. They knew they had the same thought of ‘what are we gonna do with her?’

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