Chapter Text
Lance swears he doesn't believe in curses.
And even if he did, who would want to curse him? He has universal charm (a proven fact now that he has actually traveled the universe), he’s beloved by all who meet him!
Ok so maybe there was that one time on Jarlonis where he accidentally killed the high priestess' favorite flower BUT IN HIS DEFENSE he just wanted to pick a nice flower to give to a sick kid in the hospital they were delivering supplies to. The kid's smile reminded him of Sylvio. And anyway if a plant is that important maybe it shouldn't be left out in the dirt where anyone could mistake it for a common weed!
And sure, maybe he less-accidentally stole some space fruit from that street vendor at the market on Thoruxia, but he didn't have any local currency and a mom with two kids asked him for help. Plus he's pretty sure he didn't get caught.
All this to say, there is absolutely no reason why Lance could possibly be cursed.
But when it's your fifth time somehow ending up in handcuffs while on a mission, you start to wonder.
"Lance, if we get out of this alive, I'm going to kill you."
Oh yeah, and this time, Lance is handcuffed to Keith.
So that's great.
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***Before***
Lance is lounging in his chair on the bridge, zoning out as Hunk and Pidge talk tech junk while Keith and Shiro have some secret whisper conversation across the room. He’s considering paying Kaltenecker a visit when Allura walks through the room with Coran at her side.
"Alright paladins," Allura says, commanding the attention of the room with just two words, "we're setting a course for Rhytelon. Intel from the rebel forces suggests the Galra have something of value hidden on this planet. If we can take it from them, it may give us an advantage in the war."
"We don't know much about this planet," Coran says, taking over the debrief, "it's relatively young so the castle's databases are essentially useless!“ Coran twirls his mustache as he says this, releasing the end to spring back into place on 'useless.’
"So let me get this straight," Hunk says, raising his hand, "we don't know where we're going, and we don't know what we're looking for?"
"Yes that about sums it up!" Coran confirms, looking delighted that Hunk has a full grasp of the situation.
"I know it may seem foolish to take on a mission with such little information," the princess says, "however our rebel source has made it quite clear that whatever is on this planet is highly valued by the Galra. I believe it is worth the risk to investigate.
"We'll divide into teams,” the princess looks to each of them in turn as she divides responsibilities, “Pidge, you and I will work to discover anything we can about this planet and its cultures. We'll begin with basic information such as breathability of the atmosphere and threat level of the flora and fauna, then move to determine the type of civilizations and method of Galra influence.
"Hunk and Shiro, I want you to work on contacting the rebels. See if they have any further information or if any other rebel groups have more information than we've been given. Hunk, you may need to modify the castle's communications, we need to send and receive deep space messages without chancing any nearby Galra detecting our signals.
"Lance and Keith, your task will be to go down to Rhytelon once Pidge and I have gathered enough information to determine our best strategy. You must be prepared for anything."
Lance looks over to Keith in time to see his scowl deepen, crossed arms tighten.
“You want me and Keith to team up?!” Lance interjects before Allura can move on to her next instruction, sitting forward in his seat. “Are we sure that’s a good idea? Can’t I work with Hunk or Pidge?”
“I’m with Lance,” Keith says, “there’s got to be a better option than sending the two of us.”
“Actually, I think Allura’s judgment is right,” Shiro says, putting a hand on Keith’s shoulder, “you two work well together in the field. Keith, you reported to me yourself that the mission you two completed on the Balmera was a success. When you’re focused on a shared goal, you bring out each other’s strengths.”
“I’d say based off the data I’ve gathered, they have an 85% chance of messing up,” Pidge says, adjusting her glasses in that way that Lance knows she absolutely picked up from watching anime.
“If we end up having to bail you two out of whatever mess you get into, I would like to not be involved. I’ll stay back and watch the castle,” Hunk says, settling back into his seat with a sense of finality.
“I think it’ll be good for you!” Coran says. “By the end of this mission you’ll be working together like two tyforin’s from the same chrysot!”
“I did not make these decisions lightly,” Allura says, stepping forward, “I’ve assigned everyone based on their strengths. I truly believe that the two of you are the best choices for this part of the mission. I expect you both to prepare accordingly.” With that she gives them both a stern glare that promises vengeance if either has any further protests.
Lance slumps back into his seat, accepting his fate. He does his best to listen as Allura relays how long they have to prepare until they reach Rhytelon, but his mind keeps drifting to a certain mullet-haired paladin brooding in the corner.
Shiro and Allura believe they can do this. Being assigned an important mission usually starts a fire in Lance’s veins, the chance to prove himself as a capable member of this team and worthy of the Blue Lion. Being assigned with Keith…well, he’ll just have to trust in Shiro and Allura’s faith in them.
With the rest of the team gathering research and intel, he and Keith will probably locate whatever they’re after and be back to the castleship in no time.
Yeah, they totally got this.