Nova woke up surrounded by thick sludge. It felt as if she was floating in a pool of water, but everything was too slow. The water wasn't even a natural, clear color she had been accustomed to. The child saw a glass dome around her, her heart rate spiking as faces were pressed up against the glass. She opened her mouth and bubbles appeared, then the water started to drain. Her head was dry as the water had drained from the pod.

"Weird," She murmured to herself before falling forward. She yelped before she was taken into a strong grip. Her eyes were closed shut, still awaiting a certain impact on the floor.

Hushed whispers surrounded her and her arms were being held by warm hands.

"Nova, are you with us? Sweetie, it's Daddy." Keith said as the paladins watched curiously. Nova's eyes shot open and her shaky legs leaped. A giggle passed her lips and Zelda grinned.

"Novie!" She cheered.

"Daddy! Daddy, Daddy!" Nova cried with excitement. Keith chuckled and caught her legs before they hit the ground. She wrapped her arms around his neck in a strangled hug. Keith placed an arm behind her back and hugged his daughter back.

"Glad you're feeling better, number 6." A man with a mustache exclaimed.

Nova turned and met his stare. Her nose wrinkled as she frowned.

"Who are you?" She asked in a displeased tone. Keith grimaced before whispering her name warningly. The man chuckled and winked at her.

"I'm Coran, a friend of your father's." He replied to her. Nova was confused, Zelda remained quiet. Instead of speaking, the 5-year-old had taken up to clinging back onto Keith's leg. The red paladin held up Nova with one arm and silently wrestled Zelda's black, unruly hair. Zelda smiled and pressed her cheek into Keith's calf.

"Is that true, Daddy?" Nova questioned. Shiro resisted the urge to laugh at the kid's cautiousness.

"Does he know the password?" She urged, giving Coran a grumpy glare.

Keith sighed with a fond smile.

"No Nova, I haven't had the chance to mention the password." He told her. She pouted softly and put her nose in the crook of Keith's neck. Keith subconsciously tilted his head towards her face. Nova couldn't help but smell her father. He still smelled of cigarette smoke and vanilla. Her body relaxed as tears threatened to fall. She had missed her dad.

"How, uh, how old is she?" Hunk stepped forward. Zelda looked up and shot him a smile.

"Who?" She questioned, releasing her grip on her father's leg. Keith took the opportunity to pop his ankle. Hunk blushed and signaled to both of Keith's daughters.

"I'm 8, and Zelda's 5," Nova spoke from Keith's neck.

"Cool, yeah!" Hunk told the girls, backing away before Lance started to speak.

"So, Mullet, these your kids?" He cocked an eyebrow as he grinned. Keith nodded before placing Nova down. Zelda ran to her side. Zelda clutched onto her arm, making Nova whimper and pull away. Zelda had sharp nails.

Zelda whispered an apology as Keith talked to Lance.

"Yeah, they're my daughters. Everyone, meet Nova and Zelda Kogane." Keith supplied awkwardly. Zelda waved enthusiastically and Nova shrugged before doing a shy wave.

"Hi!" Zelda screeched.

"Zelda, inside voices please." Keith chastized lightly.

"He is such a dad," Pidge whispered to Hunk, both laughing as they watched Keith interact with his daughters.

"Who knew?" Hunk decided to comment.