Lancelot

This is a conversation between Lance McClain and yourself, Lotor.
Lotor: Ah, Lance, there you are. I've been looking all over for you.
Lance McClain: What is it? I'm a little busy right now.
Lotor: Are you? With what, pray tell?
Lance McClain: Why does it matter? Aren't you supposed to be working on something with Allura anyway?
Lotor: We've hit an impasse on what's to be done about the rift, and she needs to rest rather than work herself to the bone.
Lotor: That's beside the point.
Lotor: I heard you've recently acquired an Altean broadsword for your bayard.
Lance McClain: Oh, yeah. I have.
Lotor: And do you know how to use it?
Lance McClain: ...No, not exactly.
Lance McClain: Allura has been helping me.
Lance McClain: Well she used to, anyway.
Lotor: I thought as much. As capable as Allura may be, even she can't juggle so many moving parts at once, and I've noticed that her knowledge of swordwork only seems to cover the fundamentals.
Lotor: Perfectly suitable for a basic education, of course, but in terms of actual use? It looks to me that you're in need of a proper instructor.
Lance McClain: I guess you're right. She shouldn't be pushing herself to do everything at once.
Lance McClain: I'll call Keith.
Lotor: And take him away from his mission with the Marmora order, when you've got someone with thousands of years of experience within arm's reach? Surely, you jest.
Lance McClain: Right, what was I thinking.
Lance McClain: I'll talk to Shiro.
Lotor: I highly doubt Shiro can be called an expert in swordsmanship. Has he ever held a blade before, much less a broadsword?
Lance McClain: . . . Coran. I'll talk to Coran.
Lotor: I admit, I hadn't considered him as a potential source until now, but he's overseeing all aspects of the castle's upkeep, and if you'll pardon the expression, he's no spry hemithea roaming the Arusian wilds.
Lance McClain: . . . [He sucked his teeth.] Hm.
Lotor: Come now, I'm sure that at this point you grasp what I'm proposing.
Lotor: Any weapon, however much potential it may hold, will never be used to its fullest extent unless in the hands of somebody that knows how to use it.
Lance McClain: I do. And I'm sure at this point you're picking up what I'm putting down. I'll find someone else to teach me, thanks.
Lance McClain: All these planets we visit? There's got to be at least one ancient wise sword master.
Lance McClain: Anyway, I told you. I'm busy.
Lotor: I wouldn't doubt it. But an Altean broadsword is no common implement-- it can be difficult to master for even the most seasoned veterans of the blade. I simply thought that I might extend to offer and use my experience to lend a sorely-needed hand.
Lance McClain: Sorely-needed--
Lotor: I understand that we've gotten off on the wrong foot, but ideally, I would like if it didn't remain that way indefinitely.
Lotor: But I can see that you're determined to find help elsewhere. The offer still stands, should you change your mind.
Lotor: What is it that claims so much of your attention, anyway?
Lance McClain: I'm making something. It's very important.
Lotor: Oh? For what purpose?
Lance McClain: Well, it's. It's for, y'know,
Lotor: I'm afraid I don't; by all means, enlighten me.
Lance McClain: It's a,
Lance McClain: Well it's from my home planet. You wouldn't understand, really. It's complicated and boring to listen to.
Lance McClain: It'll even put Pidge to sleep!
Lotor: I assure you, you're speaking to a man that cracks open a text about the anatomical structure of weblums for some light reading before bed; I'm quite difficult to bore.
Lotor: I pride myself on understanding the culture of other races, and it seems there's an endless amount to learn about your Earth customs.
Lance McClain: Do you really? You read textbooks before bed? Dude.
Lotor: It helps to focus on something that offers no chance for the mind to wander.
Lance McClain: I don't know about that. My mind wanders /a lot/. I can barely read a paragraph without having to move around or something.
Lotor: Ah, I've known many a soldier like that. You'd benefit from exerting yourself to release all of that restless energy-- something that sword practice fits perfectly.
Lotor: But enough about that, you still haven't told me. What is it you're making?
Lance McClain: Oh, right.
Lance McClain: I /was/ making a card. But I totally scrapped that idea like, three minute-- doboshes, ago. It was stupid. [He folded up the piece of paper, tucking it away in his pocket.]
Lotor: A card? [His brows arch a fraction as he cranes his neck to peer at Lance's mystery pocket] I'm afraid I don't understand; is it a form of identification?
Lance McClain: A card? Oh, no. Not that kind. This kinda card is just a folded piece of paper, that's no biggie.
Lance McClain: Its the stuff that's inside the card that can be complicated.
Lotor: Ah. [Now his brows knit in confusion.] What sort of contents are you referring to?
Lance McClain: Well, it could be anything. You could write down a recipe, you could make a get-better card, you could just draw pictures,
Lance McClain: . . . you could write about feelings. Stuff like that.
Lotor: Ah! [Though he repeats himself, this time it's given far more clarity, his expression smoothing out in understanding.] How versatile. I can't think of how something with so many varied uses could be considered "stupid;" why not make use of this card of yours?
Lance McClain: Well, the card I was making was.. well, it was.. I dunno. It was a little more personal, I guess.
Lance McClain: And usually, when you make a card, you give it to someone. And I was making a personal card to give to someone. But it would be totally pointless to give the card to that specific someone, because what's the point? They're not gonna return my feelings, and it's stupid because I shouldn't be so worked up about it but I am! And, [he started to rant, without realizing.]
Lotor: And...? [He watches Lance with interest, gently prompting him to continue.] How is it you can be so sure if you don't try?
Lance McClain: Because. [Lance laughed humorlessly, falling back against the sofa.] Some things you just know. They've got their eyes on someone else. I just need to quit being a baby and get over it, y'know? But it's hard.
Lance McClain: I wanna burn this card. Do you think I could burn this card? I need fire. Where can I get that?
Lotor: I wouldn't be so sure about that. There were things I thought I knew about the universe that turned out to be completely false once I decided to put aside my reservations and take a chance. [His lips twitch into a smile as he indicates the space around them, the Castle of Lions as a whole.] I thought it was fact that Voltron would remain an enemy, and here I am.
Lotor: [Here, he moves to perch on the edge of the sofa, some distance away from Lance.] What you need isn't fire. It's decisiveness.
Lance McClain: [Lance crossed his arms, his eyes boring into the small pile of craft supplies spread before him.] What if it doesn't work out? Trust me, Lotor, if you've seen what I have, you wouldn't be so confident either. For once, I don't know if I can take a chance like this. What if it ruins our bond?
Lotor: Which option is worse? [Cheek cradled in his hand, Lotor shifts to peer at Lance as he might a puzzle that he just can't figure out.] To have taken a chance and failed or to spend your life wondering what would have happened if you'd only just been braver, more honest, more open?
Lance McClain: [He drew in a deep breath, letting it out in the form of a dejected sigh. Maybe he was right.] Alright, mister Wise Guy. I guess you've got a point. Maybe I /should/ say something.
Lotor: If there's one thing I've learned, it's that you don't gain anything through being timid. If something is important to you, it's worth pursuing no matter the cost.
Lance McClain: Yeah, yeah. I get it. Quit indirectly calling me a coward. [He stretched his arms out in front of him, moving to stand with a sliver of a smile.] Thanks, I guess. For talking to me and stuff. Never thought I'd say this, but it really helped.
Lotor: It's not an insult, only a warning. There was a point where I was like you, once. [He inclines his head in acknowledgement, hair cascading down his shoulders with the movement.] You're quite welcome; if nothing else, I live to serve. If there's anything else I can provide, all you need to do is ask. [As he rises to his feet, there comes a pause.] I have to admit, you've gotten my curiosity up. I won't pry, but... Call it an occupational hazard of being a scholar.
Lance McClain: [In the back of his mind, Lance couldn't help but to wonder what Lotor must've been like. It seems he's /always/ been mister Wise Guy. Lance couldn't imagine him any other way. He blinks up again at Lotor as he stands, casually slipping his hands into his pockets and acting as if he'd totally been paying attention while the other had been speaking.] ..Uh, those are some big words. Come again?
Lotor: [With an amused breath of laughter, he gestures to Lance's pocket.] Your card. Who is it for?
Lance McClain: Oh. Oh! It's just for some dude.
Lance McClain: Girl. Not a dude. It's for a girl.
Lotor: [Another pause as, again, his brows arch.] Mm. I see. You're certain about that?
Lance McClain: Of course I'm sure. I'm as sure as sure can be.
Lotor: If you're worried I'll mention anything, I assure you, I've no interest in revealing secrets.
Lance McClain: I mean, what can I say. I love girls.
Lotor: I doubt I'll ever understand your species' stubborn insistence on restricting affection for only members of the opposite sex; it seems horribly inefficient to me.
Lance McClain: I am not restricting my affection for only members of the opposite sex!
Lance McClain: I mean I guess I /am/,
Lance McClain: You know what? You're annoying me again. Go away. I'm making a new twenty-dobosh rule for you.
Lotor: And what rule would that be? I'm only mentioning that I've heard deviations from that expected norm are punished; don't you find that discomfiting? Not even the Galra are that barbaric!
Lotor: Among my people, a preference for one gender over another is treated with the same gravity one might be attracted to a certain color of hair; nothing strange about it.
Lance McClain: It's not like that for us, either! It's not that bad. Not always, anyway.
Lance McClain: Tons of people on Earth don't care what parts you like. It's just that some people, y'know, they /do/, but it's not. I mean it's bad, but.
Lance McClain: I dont have to explain this to you.
Lotor: If you're certain. I only wanted to understand, but I suppose it isn't my business.
Lotor: I hope that your lady-- or fellow-- appreciates the sentiment.
Lance McClain: You don't care which one it is?
Lance McClain: Are the Galra really not like that? At all?
Lotor: Not in the least; for us, all that matters is if your partner can hold their own. The Galra form of courtship involves gifting weapons from fallen enemies and teaching your intended personal combat techniques that you've developed yourself. It is a way of saying, "I am showing you a part of myself that none have ever known. This is how I will protect you, by allowing you to protect yourself."
Lotor: Men and women are equally capable, equally valued, equally desired.
Lance McClain: Oh. I see. That sounds.. that actually sounds really, really cool.
Lance McClain: Maybe not the 'gifting weapons from fallen enemies' part. Killing is kind of illegal on Earth.
Lotor: Who said anything about killing? It's far more effective to know you've beaten your opponent so thoroughly that leaving them alive poses no cause for concern.
Lotor: But that's beside the point.
Lotor: I think it's doing yourself a great disservice allowing your society to dictate your thoughts, feelings, and actions. You've grown far beyond Earth niceties to become so much more, doesn't that much deserve being true to what you are?
Lance McClain: ...I guess so. Lotor, that kind of thing takes time and patience, though. I could be in a room surrounded by the gayest people in existence, and it still wouldn't be easy admitting I'm not completely straight. It's just one of those things that have been drilled into my head since I was little, by someone I care about a lot. I can't always shake the image of him telling me its wrong.
Lance McClain: ..But I guess I can start small. I'm definitely a little gay. I swoon whenever I see myself in the mirror.
Lance McClain: Sorry, sorry. I'm being serious, I promise.
Lotor: That's the spirit. I'm no stranger to unlearning things little by little, Lance; all my life I've had to grapple with being taught that the Galra were the dominant force in the universe and all other lifeforms exist to further the Empire's ends. It took time, patience, and a willingness to take those steps before I was ready.
Lotor: I know that I'm better for it, and I hope that you will be, as well.
Lotor: If nothing else, you've got time.
Lance McClain: Thank you. You made me feel better all over again.
Lance McClain: That's like, two times in a row, dude!
Lotor: You see? Progress, not perfection.
Lance McClain: You really are wise. I wander what other cool pep talks you've got stored in that weird brain of yours.
Lotor: Perhaps if we had the chance to spend more time together, you'd find out for yourself.
Lance McClain: Hm. Maybe.
Lance McClain: Well, anyway. I think it's time I finally give this card to my special someone.
Lance McClain: But uh, I was wondering if maybe you could teach me a few pointers first. Y'know, for my sword.
Lotor: I'd be delighted. The fact that you were chosen to wield it speaks volumes about your potential, but to unlock it, you'll need a steady guide.
Lotor: I like to think that's where I shine.
Lotor: Best of luck with your, ahem, feelings for your special someone.
Lance McClain: [In Lance's mind, Lotor shined /all/ the time- what?] What? I mean, yeah. I think I'll need it.
Lance McClain: Hey, after training we should get something to eat. There's something I've been wanted to talk to you about.
Lotor: [Gaaaaaay.] Absolutely, I'm happy to provide insight where I can. Perhaps you can enlighten me on the properties of these so-called "milkshakes" and their ability to attract human males to a designated location.
Lance McClain: [He started to laugh, nearly snorting (grosss) as he started walking to Lotor to the training deck.] Oh my /God/, who told you about that? Was it Pidge!? Oh, man. Now we /definitely/ need to talk after training. [And they lived happily ever after (as if. I wish) BUT REALLY THOUGH THANK YOU for this ADORABLE roleplay omg. I ship lancelot hArD but like I can never find anyone else who does the same!! This gave me life. I hope I see u again on sham some day.]