Mother & Son.

Comfort

Suggestion by - @ Brian Smith on Ao3

WARNING: ABUSE

--

The flash of light went past their faces. 

Another chance to get to know more about each other.

An all too familiar sound of feet rang in Keiths ears. He knew exactly what was happening. 

He knew at one point this may happen.

Truth be told he wasn't emotionally ready for it.

"Keith!" The voice rang throughout the building, taunting him. "I heard what happened at the school today, I did not send you there to make a fool of yourself!"

He really tried his best not to fight in school, but he couldn't fight back at home. There was only so much bullying he could take in a day anyway.

Keith knew this wasn't how a person should be. An adult shouldn't act this way.

Yet Keith could recall the sound of feet, something that was a warning to run away.

But here it was, and it was playing all over again. He could do nothing, now it was just a memory. 

Keith had thought he learned not to listen to the verbal abuse. 

He tried not to be tied down by the physical abuse.

Yet, the memory of it all had left him hurting again.

As the visions faded away Krolia turned to look for Keith. She hadn't known. 

Looking at him now scared her. He was on the ground sitting with his knees pulled to his chest. He looked terrified.

She leaned down to attempt to comfort him. Sitting on the ground near him.

"Keith. . ." She began.

"I am fine. I lived." He murmured softly, already knowing what she might say.

"This isn't fine. No one should have to treat another living breathing being in this way. You can talk to me."

"I'm fine."

"Please Keith." She nearly begged, "At least explain to me what had happened?"

Keith sighed, bringing his knees towards his face, leaning his head into them. He started shakily, "W-when I was about six dad died. I was put in foster care, it's where children under eighteen are put if there is no living relative that wants to take care of you. The foster care stuff is shit. It sounds like a good idea but it's the government that gives money to foster parents to take care of the kids, a lot of the caretakers are doing it for the money. My total time there wasn't enjoyable a bit. Either people would care and try to help or the exact opposite. And, when I was eight there was a man who had been taking care of me. He took everything seriously, and he, he was cruel." 

"Oh, Keith." Krolia came closer.

"He would yell at me, telling me I wasn't wanted." Tears appear at the memory as he rambled, "Everything about staying with him was horrible. I was hurt at the school I attended to for the first time. When I tried to fight back I'd get in trouble with the school. When I got in trouble he'd -Make the bruising worse."

The tears finally fell. They had been repressed for so long, too long. Krolia just cradled her son making sure he felt like she cared. 

"Keith," She spoke softly, " I want you to know that everyone you know who is looking out for you. You spoke of Voltron, they care, I care, the people you met who have fought for you by your side. They care."

He eventually calmed down, staying in her arms, not moving.

This is what he wanted. 

His wolf had woken up and came closer, snuggling up against the two.

Keith closed his eyes. He thought to himself about the events leading to this moment. He thought of Earth, with Adam and Shiro, Voltron the team of the first people who had grown to know him, and each and every rebellion. He thought of now with his mother and furry companion. He was grateful. 

"I think that is family" 

He smiled to himself before falling fast asleep, thinking about how far he came.