Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He didn't want that though. He didn't want to wear a dress, he didn't want to play with dolls. He wanted to wear jeans and stomp in the mud. He wanted to play rough with the guys on the playground.

He was told it was a phase. He was just a tomboy. Told he had to do this and do that. Told that puberty would clear everything up. 

Well it didn't. 7th grade he got his period. Nearly fainted at the sight. His body began developing and by his freshman year he was a c cup and had a curvy body.

He hated it all. He hated his name, he hated his long hair, his voice. Everything about himself was wrong.

He was brought up in a Christian household. Told by his father what he was feeling was a sin. Told him to repent. Told him he was disgusting.

And he believed him. He began to pray every night. He prayed for forgiveness and prayed for these feelings to go away.

This was the body he was born with so why couldn't he just accept it? Why did he have to disappoint everyone with his feelings?

First it was sexuality. He had started to find women attractive as well as men. Not just aesthetically appealing, but sexually. 

Then he began questioning his gender. With no one to go to he began doing research. He'd stay up after lights out and search for hours about his feelings.

He found a lot. It made him feel normal to know that he's not the only one feeling like this. 

After a lot of looking, he found a name. Lance. It just popped out at him. He'd no longer be Lana Charlotte McClain in his mind.

His bedroom door creaks open and stays like that for a minute before creaking and shutting softly. He waits til he hears his fathers footsteps depart back to his own room.

Lance sighs and yawns. Now that he was comfortable he was actually really tired. He grabs one of his extra pillows and spoons it.

He yawns again and sits there for a while. He eventually falls asleep after tossing and turning for at least an hour. He'd have a lot of messages to reply to when he wakes up.

Chapter Text

H: maybe he fell asleep?

K: oh well

P: i wanted to bug him 

H: you can do that tomorrow

K: its like,,, 2am 

H: well then you need to sleep. 

K: im not gonna sleep

P: oh my god

K: im gonna stab his eye

H: pidge

P: yeah man

H: oh

K: bye im gonna go uh

P: he's gonna go clean his knives and worship his mothman shrine

K: ... 

H: okay, well

P: smell ya later nerd

---

"I'll see you later, Blue. You better be in a good mood." Lance jokes, laughing softly. He grabs his backpack and slips his laptop into it.

P: really?!

H: yes pls

K: who is blue?

P: lances snake

L: he's a beautiful ball python

H: he isn't gonna eat anything is he?

L: no silly

He didn't call the group back and he didn't check his messages. He simply crawled into bed and cried until he couldn't cry anymore. Eventually falling asleep.

Chapter Text

Lance wakes up to his alarm and groans. He turns it off and clambers out of bed. He didn't want to go to school. Maybe he could lie?

No. His mom would see right through him. He whimpers and cradles his stomach.

"Shit." he hisses and looks at his sheets. Blood. Tears begin to weld up in his eyes.

"Lana, hurry up we'll be late!" Luis yells.

"Its not even nearly time to leave!" he yells back.

"We have 5 minutes to get to the bus you idiot."

Lance's eyes widen. His alarm just went off though. He grabs his phone and gawks in disbelief.

10 minutes had passed since he woke up and all he had managed to do was stand around. He hurries to grab clothes and rushes into the bathroom.

When he's finished dressing, using the bathroom, he grabs his backpack and shoves his feet into his shoes.

He grabs his phone and runs downstairs. Gasping when he gets to the last one. Pain shooting through his abdomen.

"Fuck!" he shouts, arms flying to cradle his stomach.

"Mija! Language!"

"Lo siento mamà, cramps." he mutters.

"Get to the bus, Veronica and Luis are already down there. Marco is coming to visit today so look presentable."

"Okay mamà." Lance mumbles, running out of the house and down the bus stop. He nearly misses the bus, but manages to get on.

Veronica drags him into her seat and slaps the back of his head.

"Stop being late!"

"It was the first time, jeez." he wheezes. All that running made it hard to breathe. He tried that two sports bra thing Pidge suggested.

"You okay?"

"I'm fine. Running got me out of breath is all." he smiles.

School was hell once again. Dress more like a girl. No one will want you if you look like a guy.

Gym was the worst. He had to wear the stupid grey shorts and impossibly too tight t-shirt. The guys outfit was baggy, why couldn't his be baggy?

The shorts would just distract the guys so why did the school make the girls wear it?

They had to run laps. Oh goodie. By his second lap he was sweating and heaving. This never happened when he wore a regular bra.

He was usually the first one done out of the girls. His knees buckle and he collapses in a pile on the floor. Breaths coming out in wheezes.

"McClain, you alright?" his teacher asks, racing over to help him up.

"Yeah. Just, having trouble breathing today. Sorry." Lance smiles, standing on shaky knees.

"You wanna sit out?"

"No, no its fine."

"Listen sweetie, if you're havin' trouble breathing you should sit out. Especially if 2 laps has you like that."

Lance reluctantly nods and heads to the bleachers. He grabs at his stomach and whines waiting for his teacher to say they can dress out. Waiting for the bell to ring to release them from school.

The bus was okay. Nothing different from the same old screaming and making. He simply looks out the window like he always does.

Green trees and grass blurring together, eyes trying to keep up with everything. He looks up to the clouds, blue sky and white looking beautiful. Sun burning his eyes.

He looks away and back at the trees. He doesn't notice that he dozed off until Nyma is shaking him. Why Nyma?

"Hey loser, you dozed off. Veronica and Luis left you here. C'mon." she huffs.

Lance groans and stands up, Nyma stares at his chest for a moment.

"Where'd your boobs go? Those are your best asset, Lana."

Lance rolls his eyes and waits for Nyma to move.

"Y'know if you never would've started liking me, we could still be friends."

"Can you just shut up about that? Its in the past. Plus shouldn't you be honored that even females find you attractive in that sense." Lance sighs, pushing past her on the sidewalk so he can get home and take off the makeshift binder cutting into his ribs.

"I mean, I am honored, but its kind of,, gross."

"Its not gross, Nyma. Try kissing a girl and tell me what you think." Lance huffs, walking faster.

He gets home and rushes up the stairs to his room. He slams his door and locks it, quickly stripping his shirt and the sports bras.

He takes a deep breath and sighs. He slips into a sweater and heads to the bathroom. Coming out a few minutes later. He hated this period shit. It was horrible and made him realize what he was born as.

He sits at his desk and does his homework, perking up when he hears his older brothers voice from downstairs

"¿Donde esta mi linda hermana?"

He slams his text book shut and hops up. Sure the sister thing hurt him, but his brother was finally home after 2 years of being gone. He unlocks his door and throws it open, running down the stairs.

"Marco!" He smiles.

"Lana! How are you? Where's Luis and Veronica?"

"In their rooms. I'm okay, how are you? How has college been? Meet any cute ladies?" He teases.

"I've been good. College is stressful and yes I'll have you know I have met some very beautiful women."

"You wanna come see Blue? He's gotten bigger since you left."

"Well I would hope he did. You feeding him good?"

"Of course! He'll be so happy to see you." Lance smiles, pulling his brother up the stairs.

"Hey, you sure you're okay?" Marco asks when they get into Lance's room.

"I'm fine, don't worry. C'mon, Blue's waiting~" Lance coos, rushing over to the terrarium. He opens it up and Marco pads over.

"Hey Blue. Lana here taking care of you?" Marco smiles, reaching out for the snake to slither up his arm.

Lance jumps when his phone chimes, he rushes over to his desk to see multiple notifications.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Lance couldn't get out of bed the next morning. His body felt as if it were weighed down with 4 10 pound weights. He felt horrible and just wanted to curl up and cry.

Upon completely waking, he hears a yawn. Jumping up before he remembers that he was on call with Keith.

"Mornin'" Keith drawled, accent peaking out.

"M-morning. I'm gonna- I'm gonna hang up!" Lance squeaks out, immediately hitting the end button.

He crawls back under his blanket, bringing it over his head. He takes in a long shaky breath and lets it out. Shuddering as he tugs at his hair.

"Lance?" Marco whispers.

"Go away." Lance mutters.

"Breakfast is done."

"I said go away Marco."

"You okay?" Marco asks, shutting the door behind him as he pads towards Lance's bed.

"Don't wanna get out of bed."

"Well you gotta, mamà won't let you eat up here and you know it."

"Just get out." Lance sighs, holding in his tears.

"Fine, but if you're not down in 10 I'm eating your french toast."

"Oh well." Lance mumbles, shoving his face into his mattress. He waits to hear the door open and close again before letting a small sob out.

10 minutes later, he's out of bed and dressing into the baggiest clothes he could find. He staggers out of his room and downstairs.

"Look who finally decided to join us." Marco smiles.

Lance grunts in acknowledgment, grabbing a plate. He piles food onto it before taking his seat at the table. Picking at his food, sipping at his orange juice.

"Mija, your abuela is visiting for your birthday."

Lance nearly chokes on his food, coughing he croaks out a "what"

"You heard me." his mom laughs.

"When?"

"She'll be arriving on the 25th."

The family lets out collective groans.

"Oh she's not that bad."

Lance nearly chokes again.

---

After breakfast he heads back upstairs. Checking the group chat.

>>>Losers>>>

P: we should add Shiro and Matt

K: n o

H: who?

K: my brother and Pidge's brother

P: too late

K: yeah what's so bad

L: she's the biggest homophobe and transphobe i know
she's a bitch
and i hope she chokes

K: thats
that's your grandma you're talking about

L: i know
that's the fucking point
im gonna get off
blues house needs to he cleaned

---

Lance huffs and takes Blue out, letting him curl around the back of his neck.

"Marco, I need you to watch Blue while I clean out his cage." Lance says as he walks down the stairs

"Okay." Marco mutters, meeting Lance halfway, taking the python from his younger brother.

Lance heads back upstairs, that heavy feeling returning. It felt like there were two weighted balls chained to his ankles. Staggering under the non-existent weight shackled to his ankles.

He shuffles his feet on the floor, closing the door after he gets into his room. He felt exhausted, he shuffles to his bathroom to grab the cleaning supplies.

He stares at himself in the mirror and chokes at the sight. This wasn't his body. He clutches at the counter, gasping. Lungs begging for the air that wouldn't reach them. His knees buckle from the sudden weight on his body.

He sits on the bathroom floor, panting and crying. Clawing at his arms, why did he have to look like that? His fingers tugging at the long locks of brunette hair.

Bile rushes up from his stomach, burning its way through his throat. He's barely able to crawl over to the toilet to heave the vomit out. Weight crushing his body, lungs pleading and screaming for more air.

Panting as his vision spots, more bile rises. It spills into the toilet bowl as he clutches the ceramic. Fingers turning white from the grip. When he feels he's done he collapses in a pile on the tiled floor.

Sobbing and panting. Why was he cursed with these things? So much weight crushing his ribs. He lets out a plead for help that comes out as a blood curdling scream.

Before his vision goes black he spots a blurry figure rushing into the bathroom.

---

He wakes up to hushed and worried whispers. Eyes cracking open but immediately shutting when a bright light blinds him. He groans and rubs at his eyes, opening them again.

He felt fake. Like everything was a movie or a video game. His hands looked like they didn't belong to him.

"Lana!" his mother sobs, pulling him into a bone crushing hug.

He wheezes and sits there, stiff. Oh. That's who he was.

"Why am I here?" he croaks. It felt like he hadn't used his voice in years.

"You passed out and it worried us." his mom whispers, peppering his head in kisses.

He groans and pushes her off, sitting up too quickly. Groaning again when his vision spots.

"Lay down, mija."

"I'm fine." Lance grumbles.

"You clearly aren't!"

"I'm fine mamà!" Lance raises his voice. He speaks back up.

"Have them take this damn IV off I'm perfectly fine."

---

He's released from the hospital soon after and he immediately rushes back to his room. Blue's cage cleaned, bathroom clean of blood and vomit.

He stares down at the bandages on his arms and his face scrunches up. Nose burning at the smell of disinfectant. The room was cleaned recently.

He pads to his bed, grabbing his phone. Lots of unread messages.

>>>Keith>>>

K: look
im sorry for pissing you off or something
i have a habit of doing that
you should just respect your family
and not hope they choke
i understand if you don't want to accept my shitty apology
but really i am sorry

>>>Pidge>>>

P: you okay?
you left suddenly and haven't been online in hours
text me when you can
i hope Keith didn't upset you
if he did then ill kick his ads

>>>Hunk>>>

H: hey buddy
you okay?
im here if you wanna talk
i know your abuela is a sensitive topic
just know im always here for you to talk to
i love you bro

---

Lance sighs, replying to each of them.

>>>Keith>>>

L: its fine
she's just a touchy subject
you don't need to apologize

K: you okay?
you kinda went mia for a little
offline for like,,,
3 hours
that's a long time to clean that cage

L: haha
uh yeah im fine don't worry your little head

>>>Pidge>>>

L: hey
im okay
keith apologized so its all good

P: too late
i already kicked his ass

L: you didn't need to
but thanks

P: anything for my pal

>>>Hunk>>>

L: im fine bud
i love you too

H: thank god
i thought i was gonna have to murder that kid
glad you're okay

---

With that Lance ignores his phone for an hour. Trying to catch up on his homework. That is until he hears the ringing of Skype from his phone and computer. Eyes flitting away from the textbook to his laptop.

He clicks the answer button. Fake smiling, his eyebags are a dead give away though. His skin just a touch paler than usual.

"You look like shit." Keith laughs teasingly.

"I gotta agree with Keith." Hunk mutters, yawning slightly.

"Yeah man, what happened?"

"I-I passed out?" Lance mutters, resting his head in his palm. Eyes widening when he remembers the bandages. His arms immediately shooting down to his lap.

"Lance call me." Keith mutters, leaving the call.

Lance chews on his lip, leaving the call as well. Calling Keith alone, his legs bounce and his fingers tap into his thighs.

"What the hell are those bandages for?"

"Nothing. I didn't cut myself or anything."

"They aren't for nothing! What the hell happened!" Keith shouts.

Lance shrinks at his volume, chewing on his lip. His bedroom door swings open.

"Who's that Lana?" his sister asks, padding to his desk.

"NOBODY! GET OUT VERONICA!" Lance yells, getting up from his desk quickly. Chair scraping against the wood floor, his knees buckle, vision spotting again.

"Lana!" she shrieks, diving to catch him.

"I'm fine. Get the hell out." he rasps, regaining his balance.

Veronica chews on the inside of her cheek before rushing out of the room. Slamming the door behind her.

Lance sighs, sitting back down.

"Sorry." Lance mutters.

"Tell me what happened."

"I had a panic attack or something. I don't fucking know okay? I woke up this morning feeling like I had weights on me. Then I took Blue to Marco and came back upstairs to clean his house. When I went into the bathroom to get the bleach and what not, I saw,, myself? In the mirror and immediately didn't recognise my reflection. Then the weighted feeling came back and I collapsed, vomited, clawed at my arms, and tried ripping my hair out before passing out." Lance manages to spit out.

"Oh. I'm sorry dude."

"Wow thanks."

"Sorry I just-" Keith growls in frustration before speaking up again. "I don't know how to deal with feelings."

"Its fine." Lance yawns, rubbing at his eyes.

Keith seems to flinch at the bandages, his face paling. He holds back bile. Remembering the times he had bandages like that up his arms.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. Yeah fine."

"If you're not, you can talk to me. Won't be of much help since I'm exhausted, but I'll try."

Chapter Text

The house was hectic. Lance actually had to dress nice. His mom and Veronica had actually picked out the outfit.

So he wakes up to find a blue dress hanging on his door. His face drops and he immediately grabs for his phone.

>>>Lance>>>

L: my mamà and sister are fucking satan
im actually gonna shoot myself

K: woah
don't do that

L: better than wearing this fucking dress
img.attached

P: bro
you fuckin kiddin me???

L: im tempted to just yell fuck it and wear flannel and jeans

H: don't make yourself uncomfy by putting the dress on

K: yeah man
wear that flannel proudly

L: its hot tho
and knowing abuela she'll wanna grill out
/sigh/

P: wear shorts and a nice t-shirt

H: just tell your mom you don't feel comfy with the dress and that its ugly bc it is ugly

L: thanks guys
i gotta go
ttyl

K: good luck
sneak away and talk to me if you need to

L: will do

Lance threw the dress into his closet and went through his clothes. Pulling out a decent t-shirt he slips it on.

"Lana you up?!" his mother bangs on his door.

"Yea." he mutters, searching for jeans, not finding any that weren't ripped completely, he pads over to his dresser.

Shorts it is. He grabs a pair of black jean shorts and slips them on before searching for socks.

After he's ready he heads into the bathroom and frowns at the sight. He pulls his hair into a bun and turns on the tap.

He splashes water on his face before grabbing his toothbrush and toothpaste.

After that he heads downstairs. He yawns and stands at the bottom of the stairs.

"Where's the dress mija?"

Lance's face scrunches up.

"Go put the dress on." his father sighs.

"No."

"Lana, don't argue. Go put the dress on."

"Mamà-"

"Hey give it a rest, she..doesn't want to wear it." Marco sighs, patting Lance on the shoulder as he comes down the stairs.

Lance sort of ignored everyone the whole day. I mean yeah that's his grandma and everything but she was a literal cunt. She always had something to point out about Lance.

"You've got crooked teeth, Camilla, get this girl some braces."

Lance gapes at his grandma, wanting to speak up. He shut his mouth and turns away, pulling his phone from his pocket.

"Lana, you won't get a boyfriend with your legs having more hair than theirs." his grandmother sighs.

Lance smiles slightly before returning his attention to his phone.

"Mija, get off your phone." his mother hisses.

Lance resists the urge to groan and roll his eyes.

"Excuse me, I have to use the bathroom." Lance fake smiles before shoving his phone into his pocket and rushing to his bathroom.

He shuts the door and sinks down it. Sighing, he finally had some source of peace.

>>>Losers>>>

L: she's driving me insane
'camilla get her some braces. Lana shave your legs or you won't get a boyfriend. Lana take your pretty hair down. Lana don't you wanna wear a dress for me?'

P: assassinate her

K: pidge
as lovely as that would be
that's his grandmother

H: kill her with kindness
act as sweet as possible then stab her in the back

P: ...

K: ...

L: ...
*hand clap*
okay
lesson learned.
don't mess with hunk

H: :)

K: chaotic good

P: chaotic lawful

L: Keith is chaotic evil

K: yeah
you got me there

L: shit gotta go
they'll think i fell in the toilet
or passed out again
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Dinner was hell. Mosquitos biting at his ankles and legs. He groans and slaps his leg for the umpteenth time.

"I'm going inside. Blue needs to he fed." Lance sighs, taking his food inside from the table. He throws it away.

His dad could never grill. It was nasty. He pads to the freezer and takes out a rattie, waiting for it to thaw before bringing it upstairs.

He lines the shower with the towels he uses when he feeds Blue. Setting the thawed rattie down before heading back into his bedroom to grab Blue.

He sets him in the shower and watches him slide along the towels. Searching for the rattie, tongue flitting out. When Blue strikes Lance smiles.

"Good boy Blue."

Waiting for Blue to finish up, he pulls out his phone and sends a picture of the tail hanging from his mouth.

>>>Losers>>>

H: LANCE
WHY.

L: he has to eat

H: you didn't have to send it!!!

L: oh well

K: he's a good boy

L: very good boy

P: img.attached
Bae Bae is better

K: he's cute
but not as cute as Blue
plus
Bae Bae is mean to me so fuck him

P: only because you look threatening he's trying to protect Matt because he's a helpless tiny soul

K: only tiny soul i see is you
gremlin
tiny dog
chihhusjdjjrjsjshf

L: we witnessed a murder hunk

H: delete the messages

L: ...

K: im nOT ESKJJFJS
AKJRJSJSHHWNDBEH
he's dead

P: that's what he gets
for calling me those horrible names

H: img.attached

L: ..
now isn't the time for those wide eye monkey thing memes

H: its always the time lance

K: THEY TOOK MY FUCKING KNIVES
ALL BUT ONE AND THAT ONE
WAS IN MY SHOE HAHA TINY GREMLIN BITCJSHRUEUSUSUUKDNNDNS

P: im assuming shiro got him

K: Katie.
Go to sleep.

P: yup
shiro

L: pfft
poor Keith

K: all my knives are gone
im gonna cry

P: good.

H: ...

L: gotta put Blue up brb

He carefully carries Blue back to his house and closes it up. Cleaning the bathroom up, throwing the towels in a bucket. He'd wash them tomorrow.

He sighs and pulls his phone back out.

>>>Keith>>>

K: did you ever finish that paper?

L: yeah
thanks for letting me fall asleep you heathen

K: no problem loser

L: so
you need something?

K: wow
i can't just wanna text a good friend

L: no

K: yea
you're right
wanna watch a movie on rabbit?

L: sure let me get my computer.

They spend the rest of the night watching each others favorite movies. Sending stupid texts and memes back and forth.

Lance had the biggest smile on his face when he fell asleep. His arms wrapped around an extra pillow. His blankets tight around him. His phone was clutched tight in his hand. He could get used to this.

Chapter Text

K: i wanted to be the first person to tell you happy birthday even though we haven't known each other long im really glad kat- pidge, god i don't think ill ever get used to that anyways im glad they introduced me to you im surprised i could even slightly open up to you so far you're an amazing person and you have so much unspoken potential you'll be great one day

L: holy shit

thank you

Lance actually tears up, sniffling, a big smile on his face as a couple tears rolls down his face. Keith was actually really nice under his persona of stabbing.

>>>Hunk>>>

H: i better be the first fucking person to text you
oh god

youre my best friend and i never wanna lose you lance

L: hHDHDHHSDH HUNK.
YOU CURSED
BAD
BUT THANK YOU ILYSM BB

>>> Pidge >>>

P: don't think i don't see you making keith happy
you better keep doin it
oh btw
⠀      ⠀(\____/)
           (•(ㅅ)•)      happy birthday 
　＿ノ ヽ ノ＼＿i love you   
'/　'/ ⌒Ｙ⌒ Ｙ　ヽ  don't die ever
( 　(三ヽ人　 /　　 |
|　ﾉ⌒＼ ￣￣ヽ　 ノ
ヽ＿＿＿＞､＿＿_／
　　 ｜( 王 ﾉ〈
　　 /ﾐ'ー―彡\
　　/  ╰    ╯   \

L: pidge
that is the single most horrifying and most sweet thing you've ever sent
thank you
i'll cherish it forever

Lance cried easily so that's what had him on his bed sobbing over his friends being so nice. He didn't understand what he did to deserve them.

He sits there a few more minutes just reading over them, making himself cry more. He finally sets down his phone and gets out bed.  Maybe he'd survive this day.

He searches through his clothes, grabbing a pair of blue jeans and his blue and white baseball tee that Marco had given him. He grabs underwear and sadly a bra, his binder still hadn't come in.

Lance yawns and heads to his bathroom. Stripping from his pajamas, he starts the shower, letting the water warm up as he hums softly.

He spends about an hour in there, just letting the hot water scorch his skin. To let the bathroom air fill with thick steam. He sits under the stream of water with his eyes closed.

When he's finished washing up he turns off the water and grabs his towel. He wraps it around himself and steps out of the tub.
He wipes his hand against the mirror, staring at the long brunette hair cascading down his back. The wet locks sticking to his skin.

Maybe Marco would cut his hair for him? Or he could do it himself. He imagines it, short hair, flat chest, broader shoulders. He wished he was happy and looked good.

He wished he could be comfortable in his own body. He wished he could be happy with his voice. But things didn't always work out.

He lets out a shaky breath and dries off. This was not going to ruin his day. This was not going to ruin the happiness he felt right when he woke up.

"Not today." he mutters, staring himself down in the mirror. It made bile rush to his throat, swallowing it down he grimaces.

Lance huffs, slipping into his clothes. He throws the dirty ones into his clothes hamper and exits the bathroom. His eye catches something on his bed, intrigued, he heads over to it.

'Marco McClain'

His eyes widen. Was this what he thought it was? He grabs it, squeezing the package in his hand. He chews on his bottom lip and sits down.

Lance grabs his phone, taking a picture and sending it to the group chat.

>>>Losers>>>

K: what's that?

L: i think it's my binder

P: oPEN IT YOU LOSER

H: lAAANCE OPEN IT

K: yeah dude
open it

L: okay okay jeez
im opening it

Lance sets his phone down and tears open the package. A white half top binder falls out along with a small white note. He picks the note and binder up.

Don't force it if your binder fit over your shoulders or feels too tight. You should try your binder on when you're clean and completely dry. Pull it over your head like a tank top. If its uncomfortable, pack it up for an exchange.

You can exercise and swim in your binder. Just be sure to go up a size, and do not put your binder on while wet.

Take a break from binding. Do not sleep in your binder. Listen to your body. We recommend binding no more than 8-10 hours each day. Try to take a breather during the day, and at least 2 days off each week. Stretch regularly and practice good posture.

If you experience any pain or discomfort, or have trouble breathing take your binder off! *NEVER BIND WITH ELASTIC BANDAGES, TAPE, ETC.

"Simple enough." Lance mumbles. He heads into the bathroom and blow dries his hair. He pads back into his room, shucking off his shirt and reaching back to take off his bra.

"Lance?" Marco whispers, knocking on the door.

"Ah hold on!" Lance squeaks, grabbing the binder he frantically tries to shove it on, getting stuck in the process.

"Marco,, I'm stuck." Lance mutters, turning so his chest isn't showing.

A laugh sounds from the other side.

"Alright hold on."

The door creaks open and Lance shuffles, his hands above his head stuck in the binder.

"You look so fucking stupid." Marco snorts, helping Lance into the binder.

"Wow thanks hermano." Lance laughs, turning around when its on. He takes a deep breath and smiles

"You're welcome." Marco hugs Lance.

"Now let me get dressed."

Marco rolls his eyes and pulls away from the hug.

"What do you want for breakfast?"

"Ice cream."

"You typical rat."

"Better have some ready for me." Lance smiles, slipping his shirt back on.

"I will. Don't let mamà know."

"She'll kill both of us."

Marco laughs and exits the room, heading downstairs to ready Lance's ice cream.

Lance grabs his phone and takes a picture, a big smile on his face. He sends it to the group chat and heads downstairs

>>>Losers>>>

P: YOU LOOK SO GOOD

H: FUCKING AMAZING BIRTHDAY BOY GOD DAMN

K: ...
looks good

L: thanks <3
im getting ice cream for breakfast fuck y'all

K: that's not healthy

P: shh fun sucker
let him live

H: let him hecking live

L: yeah keef
let me live

K: jeez
okay
you can live and eat ice cream
just eat a proper lunch and dinner you fucking nerd

P: gasp
aggressive caring
does keith
like Lance????

H: gasp
oh my god
Keith.

K: i DONT LIKE LANCE SHUT UP

L: hurt
im big stronk boi
why dont you like me

K: i like you
but not in the way that Pidge was suggesting

L: oh
okay

P: go eat your ice cream bday boy

Lance snorts and sits at the counter.

"One bowl of ice cream you loser." Marco laughs, sliding the bowl of ice cream to Lance.

Lance fucking devours that shit. Making jokes and laughing with Marco.

"Man Veronica is gonna be pissed when she realizes she's got a third brother." Marco laughs.

"She always has, none of us knew until recently." Lance smiles.

Marco smiles back, ruffling Lance's hair.

"Hey Marco?"

"Yeah?"

"Could you cut my hair?"

"Course." Marco gives a small lopsided smile.

Is that where Lance had gotten that from? Lance smiles back.

"I'll clean my bowl. Cut my hair later?"

"Yeah."

His birthday was nice. His mom had baked a cake, it was decent. He wished there was dulce de leche ice cream to go with the cake.

"Gracias mamà."

"De nada mija."

Marco had made garlic knots as well as Empanadas and Pastelitos. Lance had no idea where Marco learned how to cook like that but it certainly wasn't from this house.

His abuela was bitching at everything like usual. Pointing out Lance's chest. Pointing out every little thing. In return Lance simply smiled, eye twitching.

He wanted to scream at her. Tell her to shut up and tell it to someone who cared. Tell her to keep her disgusting opinions to herself, but he smiled. Smiled and smiled until the night was over.

Everyone gave him a card and a bit of money. Besides Marco who gave him a large green bomber jacket. It had been Marco's years ago but it has gotten to small.

Lance sobbed and tackled Marco into a hug. Rambling in broken Spanish and English.

By 7pm everyone had retreated to their rooms. A knock on his door had Lance sitting up. He had taken off his binder as soon as he had gotten to his room.

Eyeing it on the floor in the open he grabbed it and slid it under his bed.

"Come in."

The door opens, Marco standing their with a pair of scissors and a set of clippers in his hands.

"Ready to cut that ugly mop of your head?" Marco smiles.

Lance nods, rushing to his bathroom. He didn't want hair on his carpeted bedroom floor. Tile was much easier to get hair off of anyways.

It takes about an hour to get Lance's hair to the perfect length. He grins when he looks in the mirror. Tears streaming down his face. Lance was a bit of a crybaby.

He sobs and covers his face. He was so unbelievably happy.

"Shit it's ugly isn't it? Do you hate it?"

"I love it!" Lance sobs, hugging Marco. Marco could feel the air being squeezed out of him. Ribs crushing under Lance's hold.

"Okay Lance, I can't- pfft I can't breathe." Marco manages.

"Sorry!" Lance laughs, pulling away, yawning.

"Get some sleep baby bro." Marco smiles, ruffling the short brunette hair.

"Will do. Right after I send a picture to my friends."

"Alright well I'm heading to bed. Night hermano. I've got a flight tomorrow."

"Night." Lance smiles, walking Marco to the door. After he's out Lance plops onto his bed and takes a picture of his hair.

>>>Losers>>>

L: img.attached
img.attached
img.attached

P: AAAAAAAAAAA

H: hi it's 3 am I have to be up in 3 hours
so if you don't want to die
be quiet
also cute hair bb

L: ty hunk
also turn the notifs off bc im gonna spam

H: ugh
okay

K: i stop important research
and i get a faceful of a little twink
fuck y'all

L: gAsP
i am not a twink!
im a twunk, a twink and a hunk
a TWUNK!!

P: n o

L: oh ye bby

K: what
the
fuck

L: v,,
vine

P: he's stupid
keith doesn't know what vines are

L: keith
emergency rabbit session tomorrow
my brother is leaving and so is my abuela so we'll have lots of time to watch all the vines i can compile

K: suddenly my laptop has my knife in it

P: you mean your malaria blade

K: both you and Shiro call it that
im telling Kolivan you keep calling it that

P: so scary
your giant uncle that looks like an alien

K: he's a fucking cryptid and ill prove it you bitch

L: anywho gn you stinky whores

P: gn big bitch

K: night lance

And he fucking conks out. Dead ass just knocked the fuck out, face shoved into his pillows and limbs spread everywhere.

Chapter Text

Lance woke up to his alarm. School, right. He yawns, laying in bed for a little bit before getting up. He strips from his night clothes, throwing them in his dirty clothes.

He grabs his binder from under his bed and slips it on. Yawning as he heads to the bathroom. He smiles upon seeing his short hair and nearly completely flat chest.

Taking a piss and washing his hands. He blinks at his reflection, watching his movements. Everything he did was almost robotic. Life was weird.

You do the same things everyday until you die. Wake up, stare at the ceiling, use the bathroom, brush your teeth, eat breakfast, go to work or school, come home, eat, sleep. Repeat.

Life was really weird. Anything you say or do can alter your future. You take one wrong move and it can kill your first born child and give you a completely different one.

Lance shakes the thoughts from his head and ruffles his curly hair. He heads back to his room, slipping into jeans, a shirt, and the jacket Marco gave him.

Sure, it was hot, but the jacket was nice. It tied the whole outfit together. He puts his things in his backpack and shoves it phone into his pocket.

Upon getting downstairs he hears collective gasps.

"Mija! What'd you do to your hair?! It looks like a boys!" his mother gasps.

"I cut it?"

"Yes, but why!?"

"Because I don't want long hair. Now can I go? I'll miss the bus." Lance sighs.

School was a mix of compliments and insults. Nyma and her crew being the ones to insult Lance.
He just sighed and ignored. Doing his work and waiting to go home to watch vine with Keith on rabbit.

That'd be the highlight of his day. Sadly he wouldn't be able to hear Keith's laugh because well, echo.
Wait,, sadly?

Lance chews on the inside of his cheek. This whole thinking about Keith was weird. They had just met so why did he occupy Lance's mind so much?

After school sucked too. He got lectured for an hour. He also had to clean nearly the whole house.

A few hours later he collapses on his bed. Eyes flitting shut, a yawn escaping his lips. Vines. He had to watch vines.

He blindly feels for his phone and shoots Keith's a lazily typed text.

>>>Keith>>>

L: dude
vines
now

K: dude
chill
okay

L: cool

He got together a bunch of videos and started the stream on rabbit. Keith joining shortly after.

After the first one his phone buzzed.

>>>Keith>>>

K: i,,
i don't get it.

L: wha
keith tell me you're joking

K: i don't get it

L: ...
...
....
you're fucking joshing me
right?

K: joshing you,,?

L: oh my god
you're hopeless
do you just wanna call?
it'll really help after today

K: sure

Lance waits for Keith's call and immediately answers it. Upon breathing in and feeling tightness he curses.

"Shit. I've gotta take off my binder. I guess chores made me forget." Lance hisses, slipping away from the camera. He might as well change into sweats too.

"So what was so bad about today?" Keith's voice sounds from the laptops speakers. Dry and dead.

"Uh just insulted and yelled at y'know?" Lance mumbles, focusing on not getting stuck. He folds his binder up and slips it into a box in his closet.

Two knocks before the bedroom door flies open. Lance shrieks and covers himself.

"Lance?"

Lance freezes. Keith's an idiot.

His mom stares him down, then looks to the computer.

"¡¿Estás desvistiéndote de chicos en internet?!" his mother shrieks.

"No! ¡Mamá! ¡Salí!" Lance shouts, face burning bright.

"Entonces, ¿qué está pasando, Lana?"

"¡No había tenido la oportunidad de cambiarme a un pijama! ¡Keith ni siquiera puede verme cambiando mamà!" Lance shouts, face bright red.

"¿Quién es Keith? ¿Conseguiste novio? ¿Cuándo lo llevarás a casa?"

"¡El no es mi novio! ¡Sólo un amigo!"

His mom sighs and shakes her head. Chewing on the inside of her cheek before she exists the room. Lance lets out a breath of relief. At least she closed the door after leaving.

He quickly dresses and heads back to his bed. Keith looked awkward, playing with his fingers, chewing on his lip.

"Ah, lo siento. I'm sorry." Lance mumbles

"Its fine, Lance." Keith smiles.

"Did uh, did you understand anything we said?"

"Nope. Not a lick." Keith drawls.

"Damn you're country as fuck." Lance laughs.

"Yup." Keith smiles.

"So how has your day been?"

"It was good. I saw Shiro trip up and down the stairs. As well as Matt getting pushed by Pidge ."

Lance snorts and smiles.

"Man that would've been great to see."

"Mhm. So do I get to know what you and your mom were talkin' 'bout? I heard my name in there somewhere." Keith smiles lazily.

How did he make that look so good? Lance chews on the inside of his cheek.

"She asked if I was undressing for boys on the internet. I told her no and that I hadn't gotten a chance to change and said that you couldn't see me."

"And? There was a lot more of that rapid fire Spanish spitting from your mouth."

"S-she asked if you were my boyfriend and when I was gonna bring you home."

"Ooh, what'd you tell her?"

"I told her we're only friends. And then she left."

"Man I wonder what her reaction would've been if you told her I was your boyfriend." Keith chuckles. The sound low and reverberating through his chest.

It made Lance's heart pound.

"She would've shoved her face in the camera and complimented and insulted you. Especially that ugly mullet. She'd tell you to shave it off." Lance grins.

"It's not a mullet."

"Oh sure, and I'm not trans."

"But you are?"

"Its a lie. You're lying about your hair so I lied about something too."

"Its not a fucking mullet."

"Awe Keef."

"Keef?"

"Yep. I deem you Keef. Now, I have to deal with a huge stuck up bitch tomorrow that looks slightly like an alien, but that's not the point. The point is, I'm very tired and in need of a shower."

"Will you call me after your shower?"

"Don't go getting attached now Keith."

"Pfft." Keith splutters, face flushing.

"I'll talk to you tomorrow. As well as Hunk and Pidge. I gotta clean Blue's habitat again so I need company."

"Don't pass out again."

"Oh haha. Bye Keith."

"Bye Lance."

With that Lance hangs up and heads to the bathroom. Preparing a shower. He undresses and avoids looking at his body as much as possible.

It just didn't feel right. Felt like he was in someone else's body and he was washing them. That would be weird. Like a body switch with your friend or something. Like you're washing another persons body but its your own.

Lance grimaces at his hips. At his chest. At his thighs. Everything looked wrong. Maybe he should work out more? That would help his body look more masculine.

He stands under the stream of steaming hot water. Water pouring down his head and down his body. Relishing the feeling of the numbing heat.

This body didn't belong to him and he wanted out. He didn't care how, he just wanted out. He always wondered if his real body was just hiding under all his skin.

Would scratching everything away help him? Just pick at the layers of skin. Pull himself apart piece by piece? Leave it all for the vultures.

He wished he could find a way to be himself. He wished he could be accepted by everyone. But people are petty and believe that if you're different you deserve to burn.

Maybe burning wouldn't be so bad? Maybe it'd be like this shower. Numbing. Peaceful, but stuffy. He breathes in the thick air.

Eyes closing as he lets the water run down his face. They open, magnificent blue piercing through the water. Tears mingling into the hot water. Washing away his sobs and sniffles.

He'd be okay one day. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but one day. He'd eventually look right. Sound right.

Life would get better for him, he just had to be patient. And so he waits.

Chapter Text

Lance woke up in the middle of the night after he felt like he was drowning. Gasping and coughing, he sits up. Not able to calm down he blindly grabs for his phone.

Calling the first person his finger lands on. It rings a few times, Lance was full on sobbing and heaving.

"Lance?" Keith's voice sounds from the speaker, groggy. Upon hearing the panicked breathing Keith curses.

"Shit. Lance, hey. Listen to me, quit breathin' like that you'll black out. Take a deep breath in through your mouth and let it fill your chest and belly. Can you do that for me?"

Lance nods even though Keith isn't able to see him. He breathes in deep, still slightly feeling as if the water is licking at his neck, creeping up to enter his lungs.

"Hold it til I tell you to let it out."

Lance does. It feels like an eternity when Keith tells him to breathe out, but really it was only a few seconds.

"Breathe out. Repeat, c'mon lets get your breathing under control, yeah? Then you can tell me what happened, yeah?"

"Y-yeah." Lance's voice was scratchy and broken. Like he had swallowed a whole box of razor blades. Like he had been screaming nonstop for hours.

"Okay, breathe in."

Lance does. Sitting there, rocking and breathing. His fingers trembling as he holds the phone.

"Hold."

Holds it. Holding it carefully like an egg. Careful to not let it out, not to let it drop.

It felt like his intestines were knotted up. Felt like his heart was in his throat. Tears drying so thickly he thought he was crying blood.

"Out. Just a few more times."

Repeat.

Repeat.

Repeat.

Each time the water creeped down. Eventually stopping at his toes before draining away completely.

"Wanna tell me what happened now?"

"Mhm.."

"Mkay, c'mon."

"I-I don't get it. In life I already feel like I'm drowning, but that dream. It woke me up and I could feel the water. I could feel it all around me, barely off my nose. It was cold too." Lance mumbles, still shaking slightly.

"Its not real. I know how real it felt, but dreams cannot hurt you. Unless it's some Freddy Kruger shit, then you're dead."

Lance laughs a bit at that. How did Keith manage to make him feel so much better? Make him smile in the worst of times?

"You still there?"

"Mhm, sorry."

"Its fine." Keith yawns.

"Why don't you go ahead and sleep?"

"Wanna make sure you're okay."

That shouldn't make his heart speed up and make his face flush.

"I'm okay, Keith. I'll be fine."

"M staying up, shut it." Keith grumbles, clearly drifting to sleep.

"Sleep, Keith."

"No gotta- gotta make sure you're okay." Keith mumbles, yawning again.

"I just told you I'm okay, go to sleep."

"Fine, but if I wake up to you calling me again or something I'm gonna stab you."

"Mhm, okay. Night Keith."

"Night, starlight."

Lance bites his lip and huffs. Should he hang up? Would it be weird to stay on the line? Its not like they haven't before. Just hang up.

His finger hovers over the end call button, but he pulls it away. He lays back down and gets comfortable. Just listening to the soft breathing coming from Keith.

It felt like he was right there, curled up underneath Lance's blanket. Lance's eyes widen, realizing that this is similar to what he felt with Nyma.

"Shit." he whispers.

Going back to sleep didn't work well. He simply stared at the ceiling until his alarm went off. Jumping and yelping he quickly turns it off.

He chews on the inside of his cheek and ends the call. He yawns and clambers out of bed. He really didn't want to go to school at all. But his mom would kill him if he didn't.

He needed a break from his binder that day. So he reluctantly slips into a bra. He pulls on a blue shirt and the jacket Marco gave him.

He grabs a random pair of jeans and slips into them. Heading to the bathroom he stares at his sleep deprived figure. Face morphing into something he had never seen.

He continues to stare at it. It looked normal if he stared at it enough. Better than what he looked at on a daily basis. Blinking, it disappears.

Robotic movement. Brush teeth, wash hands, brush hair. Staring at his reflection the whole time. Each blink brought on a new morph of his face. Each more terrifying than the last.

Yet they all looked better than what he saw daily. He trudges into his room, stomping his feet into his shoes. Grabs his phone and backpack.

Shuffles down the hall and down the stairs.

"Lana, you okay?" his mom asks, standing in the kitchen.

"Didn't sleep much." he mumbles, blinking, eyes blank of much emotion.

"Do you wanna stay home?"

"No, got tests today. I'll be fine." he mutters, trudging out the door and to the bus stop.

He passed out on the bus, Veronica waking him up.

"C'mon hermana." she mumbles.

Lance slips out of his seat, trudging off the bus and into the school. His phone buzzes in his pocket. Ignore.

He knocked out in first period. Face smoothed into his text book, saliva leaking from his mouth. Someone kicks the back of his chair. He shoots up, a sound of startle slipping from his lips.

Snickers from Nyma and Rolo.

Lance wipes his mouth and turns his attention to the board. Words mixing together, voices intermingling. He blinks and squints, words blurring further.

His head slams onto his desk, pages of the book cushioning the blow. Hands dangling at his sides.

He wakes up in the nurses office.

"Wha-" his nose scrunches at the smell of disinfectant. Horrible smell. He clambers out of the cot, legs wobbling underneath him.

It felt like there was an anvil on his head, he exits the room. Lights blinding him. He blinks, staring blankly at the nurse.

"Lana?"

"What am I- what am I doing here?" he stumbles over his words. Damn his head hurts.

"You passed out in class, we're waiting for your mom to come get you."

"Oh." Lance mumbles.

The nurse smiles and gestures towards a seat in front of her desk.

"Can you tell me why you passed out? Lack of sleep? Lack of eating?"

"Sleep. Didn't sleep well." Lance takes the seat.

"Why's that?"

"Keith. He kept me up. Him and his stupid mullet." Lance grumbles.

"Who's Keith?"

"Online friend. I think I like him."

"Do you wanna go lay back down until your mother gets here?"

"Mamà is gonna kill me." Lance laughs softly, standing up.

"Why?"

"Didn't sleep well, told her I'd be okay. Look at me now, second time passing out in 2 weeks or something like that." Lance mumbles, heading back to the room. He lays in the cot, staring at the white wall.

He pulls his phone out to see texts from Hunk.

>>>Hunk>>>

H: keith told me about your dream
you okay?

L: mhm
im going home early

H: you sick?

L: no
i didn't sleep last night
hunk
i think i like keith,,

Chapter Text

>>>Hunk>>>

H: YOU WHAT?!??!?!?

L: i think i like keith

H: whAT MAKES YOU SAY THAT??

L: well
he occupies my thoughts a lot
he's cute even with that mop of hair
he's got a really nice voice that makes my heart rate skyrocket
it feels like butterflies are swimming in my stomach
he can calm me down and make me feel better no matter what

H: aWE
BB
YOURE PINING

L: hhhh
it sucks
do you
do you think he likes me?

H: idk
but i can ask pidge

L: no,,
then they'll know
and harass me

H: ugh
ill ask anyways
you better call when you get home
both pidge and keith stayed home

L: why?

H: pidge didn't wanna deal with anything (bad cramps)
and keith is still avoiding his teacher

L: oh
im home
im gonna take a nap
bye hunk

H: bye
make sure you eat when you wake up.

Keith hated Lance, it was official. His stupid blue eyes, his stupid flawless skin. Keith was definitely allergic to Lance.

What he felt when he talked to Lance was what he feels when he has dairy. Stomach knotting up. Keith despised Lance and that was the end of it.

"Keith, when are you coming back to the Garrison?" Pidge muttered, sitting on a beanbag in their room.

"I'm not. Shiro wants me to, but its not happening."

"Y'know, what they did was justified. You came back for a day and punched Iverson in the eye multiple times."

"He deserved it!" Keith shrieks.

"He asked how your break was!"

"He was testing my patience, Pidge."

Pidge sighs and shakes their head.

"Whatever, Keith. So, how do you feel about Lance?"

"I hate him."

"What? Why?"

"He makes my stomach feel like when I have dairy."

"He makes you have to shit?" Pidge laughs.

"No, like the knotted up intestine feeling. Except it's more fluttery?"

"Pfft oh my god."

"What? Pidge, this is serious! I could be allergic to him!"

"Keith, you can't be allergic to a person."

"You totally can."

"No, Keith. Hold on, Hunk's texting." Pidge mutters, tapping away at their phone.

"Lance is stupid and I hate him."

"You sure it's hate?"

"What else could it be?" Keith mutters, head hanging off the edge of Pidge's bed. The blood rushing to his head.

"Man, I dunno, maybe it's unadulterated loathing."

"No, why would I loathe him?"

"Sarcasm, Keith. Maybe its a crush?"

"No it's not the same as what I feel for Mothman."

"Okay, Keith, can we forget about mothman for a minute?"

"No, of course not. Mothman is lovely." Keith sighs, staring at Pidge. His hair brushing the green carpet, face turning red from the amount of blood rushing to it.

"Tell me your exact thoughts on Lance."

"He's stupid. He's got really blue eyes, like uh like blue koolaid. He's got really flawless skin and I hate him for it, it just looks so soft. I wanna pet it. His hair. Its fluffy and curly, I wanna run my stupid fingers through it. He's got a nice laugh but it's so loud and obnoxious. He's obnoxious and stupid."

Pidge laughs.

"Okay."

Keith wasn't the best with describing things, unless it was a persons voice. Lance had a nice one and that was rare. Sure it was loud, but it was nice.

It'd sound even better when he would go on testosterone. Deepen up and mellow out. Wouldn't be so high and girly. Although Lance's voice was deep for a girl.

It was nice. Sometimes soft and light. A voice he only used for Blue. It was smooth like a river going down stream. Sweet like syrup and honey.

For a minute Keith wondered if Lance tasted like syrup and honey. Maybe even vanilla? Or cherry, cherry was a good flavor.

Red, was a good color too. A soft reddish pink like the tongue that ran over Lance's lips. That looked good. That blue in Lance's eyes was good too.

He wondered if Lance smelled like rain and salt water. Maybe he went swimming a lot? Probably not. Probably was difficult with dysphoria.

Keith was snapped out of his thoughts when he fell off the bed.
Too much blood had rushed to his head. He blinks and stares up at Pidge.

"You thinking too hard there?"

"Huh?"

"You had a constipated look on your face. Like you were thinking too hard. What about?"

"You think Lance smells like rain?"

"Keith, you don't like rain."

"I like the smell."

"Okay. What else were you thinking about?"

"His voice."

"Oh?"

"It's nice. The voice he uses when he talks to Blue, soft and light. Almost like a feather soft touch, tickles you and makes you shudder."

"Uh huh." Pidge was recording and Keith didn't know.

"Wonder what he tastes like. Honey and syrup? Vanilla? Caramel? That good soap that Shiro buys?"

Yes, he just said soap. He fucking eats soap.

"Uh huh, keep going."

"Maybe even cherry? Like a sticky, sweet cherry pie?" Keith tongue darts out, he wanted cherry pie now.

"Oh, and his eyes. I can't describe them. Blue. That's the only word. Voices I can work with, eyes are a different story. So much emotion swirls in the eyes, much deeper than words. Baby blue? No.. Periwinkle? No. Hmm, ocean? Yeah. Ocean eyes."

"That all?" Pidge smiles.

"Mhm."

Keith was oblivious. He always has been and he always will be. His heart belonged to mothman.
Or so he thought.

Pidge hums and sends the video to Hunk. Who then spams her and sends it to Lance.

Lance sits there and plays it over and over again. He wanted to know what Lance tasted like. Dumbfound Lance sits there, eyes wide and mouth agape.

What the fuck? He plays it again. The soft expression on Keith's face making his heart beat 10 times quicker. Taste. Smell. Sound.

"Lana?"

"Huh? Yeah?" Lance turns around.

"Who's that?" Veronica asks, sitting next to Lance on his bed.

"That's Keith."

"Why are you watching that video so much?"

Lance chews on his bottom lip.

"Is he talking about you?" she asks.

"I-I don't know. My friend Hunk sent it to me."

"Ah. Come eat, mamà said dinner is done. Papi is still at work."

"Okay." Lance sits his phone down, listening to the last sentence. Keith had a smile on his face.

He turns his phone off and follows Veronica down the stairs and to the dinning room. He missed Marco. He could text him and talk to him about Keith.

Lance shoveled his food down and then excused himself. He sat at his desk, hovering over the call button.

"Just call hermana." Veronica's voice sounds from the door.

Lance jumps.

"Get out!" he squeaks.

"Haha, okay Lana. Sleep good tonight, alright?"

"Alright."

The door closes, and he presses the call button. Keith, Hunk, and Pidge popping up on the screen.

"Hey nerd." Pidge smiles.

"You feeling better?" Hunk asks.

"Feeling better? What happened?"

"I passed out at school." Lance snorts.

"What?! Are you okay?!" Pidge shouts.

"I'm fine, didn't sleep too good last night."

"Was it because of that dream?" Keith asks

"No, something else."

"What?"

"It doesn't matter." Lance smiles.

"Cute." Pidge mumbles.

Lance stays up for a while talking to everyone until Hunk and Pidge get offline. Pidge's cramps had been killing them so they got offline and took meds and went to bed.

Hunk wanted to sleep so he got off too. That left Lance and Keith.

"So,, that video." Lance mutters.

"Huh?"

"Hunk sent me a video earlier."

"Oh, what was it?"

"It was of you, I guess Pidge sent it to him."

"What about me?"

"Just you talking."

"About?"

"Me." Lance mutters, chewing on his bottom lip. That drew Keith's attention down to Lance's lips. Tongue subconsciously flitting out.

"What- uh what was I saying in that video?" Keith asks, eyes trailing up Lance's face.

God was it possible to kiss someone through a laptop because Lance really wanted to. Lance wanted to kiss Keith really bad.

"You talked about my voice. And possibilities on how I'd smell or taste."

"Oh that- that's just curiosity."

"So you're curious on how Hunk would taste too?"

"No. No- just you. Well and Mothman, I bet he has some soft lips."

"Oh. Er, I should sleep?"

"Oh right. Yeah- yeah. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Goodnight Lance."

"Goodnight Keith." he ends the call and shuts his laptop. Pulling out his phone he texts Marco.

>>>Marco>>>

L: dude
i like keith
i think he might like me
but idk

M: lance
its late

L: i know but i need your opinion.

M: fine
on what

L: video.attached

M: ,,,
he likes you
there's no sane person that would sit there and describe someone like that unless they liked them

L: wHAT DO I DO???

M: well
you can sit there and suffer in your own pining
or you can make a move.

L: pining it is
goodnight marco tell your girlfriend i say hi

M: she says hi
and that you should go for Keith
he seems sweet
night hermano

With that Lance changes into pajamas and crawls into bed. Drifting to sleep. Dreamless and dark, like usual.

Chapter Text

Pining officially sucked ass. Who the hell even came up with the idea to just wallow in your own crush for some guy that's way out of your league? Pfft, sure as hell was a dumb one. But that's exactly what Lance was doing.

If he could just grow a pair, he'd definitely ask Keith out. But he couldn't really tell if Keith liked him back. Maybe Keith was just saying those things platonically?

No- people who like someone don't have that incredibly soft look on their face.

Lance groans in frustration and throws himself on his bed. Air getting pushed out by the force. He grabs his phone and checks his messages.

Nothing new from Keith. Nothing new from Hunk. Nothing new from Pidge. Man was everyone dead today?

He throws his phone to the side and turns over, looking to Blue's tank.

"Did I do something wrong Blue?" Lance huffs.

Blue stares at him, unblinking.

"No, you're right." Lance sighs, sitting up.

"You wanna slither around?" he gets out of bed, trudging over to Blue. He carefully takes him out and lets him slither down his body.

An hour passes and still no new texts. He screams into his pillow and kicks his feet. Why did he have to be so impatient? Text first you idiot.

He grabs his phone and puts Blue up.

"I'll take you back out after I eat." Lance smiles, heading out of the room and down the stairs to the kitchen.

"Lana."

"Yeah, mamà?"

"You sleep good last night?"

"Yeah, don't worry I'm not gonna pass out anytime soon." Lance laughs.

"You better not, you keep scaring us with that crap." his mom sighs, standing up to pull him into a hug.

"Lo siento mamà." Lance mumbles, hugging back.

After he makes himself lunch, he heads back upstairs. Nearly running into Veronica, who is paying way too much attention to her phone.

"Sorry Lana."

"Its fine. Why are you so distracted?"

"Nyma wants me to go to a party. I told her no because of how badly she treats you and now we're arguing." Veronica sighs.

"You can go if you want to, Ronny. Get you a chance with the cool kids." Lance smiles.

"I can't do that to you." Veronica shakes her head.

"Ronny, it's fine. Go have fun hermana. Get you a boyfriend or girlfriend whatever you're into." Lance smiles, heading to his room.

He hears his phone chime, nearly falling over a shoe. He grabs his phone and unlocks it. A text from Pidge in the group chat.

>>>Losers>>>

P: im running on 2 hours of sleep  ive seen god himself in one of my sleep deprived day-mares

L: jfc pidge

P: caffeine is the only thing keeping me alive rn

K: pidge
i don't wanna be a party pooper
but you sir
need to fucking sleep

P: never
i'd rather shoot myself

L: no
you need sleep smh

H: pidge
go to bed.

P: ,,,
you can't tell me what to do

K: gasp
what the fuck
did you just say
to our beautiful sunshine boy??

P: told him
he can't fucking tell me what to do knife boy
you won't do shisjfhwjjfwiidiushbs

L: oh my fuckin god she fuckin dead

H: img.attached
me rn

L: hHSHDHDHSHS HUNK

K: pidge is asleep

L: that sounds ominous
keith
what'd you do

K: knocked her out

H: hsrjjsjfjs im dipping bye
i got stuff to bake with my moms

L: bye hunk eat food for me <3

K: bye hunk

H: bye ily guys

L: so
guess that leaves us
huh

K: yeah,,
uh
do you
do you wanna call?
im doing homework in the dinning room but- do you want to?

L: sure

Lance grabs his laptop and turns it on, plugging the charger in. He calls Keith on Skype and waits for him to pick up.

When Keith's mop of hair and part of his face pops up Lance smiles. He was clearly focused on his work.

"What are you working on?"

"Whatever Pidge brought me." Keith mumbles, chewing the eraser of his pencil.

That made Lance cringe. Unsanitary and gross. Erasers don't taste good at all.

"Ah, cool."

" Mhm ."

"Are you talking to Katie, Keith?"

Keith looks up and to the side, staring who ever just spoke down.

"No, I'm not talking to Pidge ."

"Shit, I'm never gonna get that right. So who you talking to then? I know you don't have friends."

"Wow, thanks Takashi ."

Takashi? That's the brother. Lance sits there, fiddling with his fingers.

"I'm just joking, who is it though?"

"His name is Lance."

"Ooh that guy."

That guy? What did he mean?

"Shut up! He can hear you!" Keith's voice cracks, cheeks flushing pink.

"Awe is Keith embarrassed? Lemme meet him."

Shiro comes into view on the screen, arm wrapped around Keith.

"So you're who keeps my baby bro up all night, hm?"

"I-I y-yes?" Lance squeaks.

"Don't be shy. What are you intentions with Keith?"

" Shiro ! Go away!"

"I'm just joking." Shiro laughs, ruffling Keith's hair before leaving the room.

"Okay, but gold fish food doesn't taste bad."

"What?"

"Gold fish food doesn't taste bad. It tastes like healthy cereal."

"What the fuck." Lance laughs.

"You should try it sometime. Oh and there's this really good soap that Shiro gets. It smelled really good so I kinda just drank it. It was pink and blue and just- wow."

"Keith, soap is bad for you. And so is fish food."

"If soap is so bad why do we rub it on our bodies? Also, just curiosity, what uh- what soap do you use?" Keith asks, looking up from his work, pencil on the tip of his tongue.

"Uhh, well body wise is vanilla and hair is mango. I don't think they mingle very well, but they both smell really good."

"Hmm."

"What."

"Nothing. I pinned you for a guy that used something uh like old spice."

"Mind you I'm not out yet, can't really use those. Plus soap doesn't make you any more manly or feminine."

"Cherry chapstick tastes good too."

"Did you eat it?"

"No I made out with a dude and he was wearing some."

"Oh." Lance's face drops a bit. So, was Keith a player? Or was it a boyfriend?

"It was a long time ago though. Can't eat cherry pie without remembering it. Sucks."

"Was he a good kisser?"

"No, not at all. It was sloppy and his tongue tasted like cheap beer."

"Ah."

"I got mixed in with the wrong crowd." Keith mumbles, resting his head in one of his hands.

"Yeah, think I was in with the wrong person for a while."

"Dude I kissed was considered a Prince around our school. He's moving again so that's good. Him and his 'generals' mercy on any school he goes to."

"What's so bad about him?"

"Spreads drugs, lies, rumors. Makes out with yOUR BROTHER EVEN THOUGH SAID BROTHER KNOWS YOU WERE DATING THAT TWAT!"

"KEITH IT WAS ONE TIME!"

"ONE TIME TOO MANY ASSHOLE!" Keith laughs.

"Pfft."

"His name is Lotor, his dad is a grade A asshole and his mom doesn't even remember giving birth to him. They were so fucked up on drugs. His mom didn't even know she could conceive. They call her Haggar. Instead of her actual name Honerva."

"Damn." Honestly, Lance was just paying attention to Keith's eyes and lips. His lips looked chapped yet soft at the same time. He really wanted to apply some chapstick and just-

"Hey you listening?"

"Huh? What?"

"Pfft you spaced out. Uh, I don't even remember what I was saying now haha." Keith chuckles, scratching the back of his neck.

"Sorry."

"Its fine." Keith gives that incredibly soft smile that makes Lance's heart rate skyrocket.

"WILL YOU TWO DATE ALREADY IM TIRED OF SEEING MY BROTHERS OBLIVIOUS PINING BECAUSE HE'S TOO SMALL MINDED TO REALIZE MOTHMAN IS FAKE AND WILL NEVER RETURN HIS FEELINGS!" Shiro shouts.

"Will you excuse me?" Keith smiles, standing up. The chair scraping against the wood floor. He grabs his knife from the table and rushes over to Shiro.

"OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH KEITH STOP NO NO I DONT WANT MALARIA!"

"I'm gonna tell Uncle Kolivan you keep calling it that you fucking numb skull!"

"KEITH STOP HHHHG OH MY GOD I'M GONNA FUCKING PUNCH YOU! GET THAT MALARIA SHIT AWAY FROM ME!"

"You ready to fuckin die?"

"OH IM A BAD BITCH YOU CAN'T KILL ME!!"

"OH MY GOD I OFFICIALLY WANNA MARRY YOUR BROTHER KEITH!"

Keith pops back up in the camera pointing the knife at it.

"No."

"I'm sure Matt would love you Lance, we always are taking appli-AHH WHAT SKFJJSJFJAJ KEITH IM NOT GONNA TOUCH HIM OH MYDHJAJDJSJD HELP ME!"

Lance snorts and sits there with the dorkiest grin on his face.

"I'm gonna move to my room so I can avoid a certain asshole." Keith smiles, carrying the computer.

Lance yawns and rubs at his eyes.

"You tired?"

"Yeah kinda."

"Sleep then."

"Will you stay on with me?"

"Of course."

"Mkay, I'm gonna sleep then. Night Keith."

"Night Lance."

Keith basically spends an hour or two studying Lance's face while he's asleep. His cupids bow was Keith's favorite. And the tiny gap between his top teeth.

The light freckles painted over the bridge of his nose and over his cheek bones. The way his hair rested against his face. The long thick eyelashes.

Lance was just really attractive. That didn't mean Keith liked him. Opposite of like actually. Hate. Keith hated Lance and that's how it would stay.

Keith envied Lance for being so damn perfect. If he hated him, why couldn't he just get off of Keith's mind. It was like a broken record, him telling himself he had to hate Lance.

Repeating that Lance would just hurt him. Keith was afraid to fall and damn was he falling hard. So he passes it off as hate and hangs up. Slamming his laptop closed, setting it aside.

He throws the blankets over himself and and dreams of Lance. Hating himself for doing it. Hating Lance for occupying his mind so often. Hating everything about the wonderful Cuban.

Chapter Text

"Pidge, I hate Lance." Keith groans, throwing himself to her floor.

"Uh huh sure you do, buddy." they laugh.

"I seriously do. What made him think he has the right to look that fucking good? God he's gonna look even better when he gets on testosterone."

"Keith, this isn't hate you fucking idiot."

"It has to be, I can't cheat on my husband."

"Do you have Mothman's consent to be saying these things? Maybe mothman doesn't want a relationship."

"He does. He loves me and I know it."

Suddenly Pidge's bedroom door slams open.

"IM GOING ON A DATE WITH TAKASHI HOW DO I LOOK??" Matt screeches, standing there in a white button up and black pants. His glasses shoved to the bridge of his nose, strands hair shoved behind his ears.

"Fucking horrible." Pidge laughs at their twin.

"Okay- rude. Keith how do I look?"

"Horrible. Bro, you're bisexual, how do you not have a good style?"

"Okay then what should I wear to a fancy restaurant?"

"McDonalds. Shiro is taking you to McDonalds." Keith deadpans.

"He's not taking me to McDonalds." Matt's phone chimes. He looks at it and turns it off, shoving it in his pocket. He looks dead at Keith and sighs.

"He's taking me to McDonalds."

"Yeah, go change you fuck nut. Keith is having a gay crisis and thinks he hates Lance." Pidge snorts.

"IM NOT!!" Keith shouts, cheeks flushing pink.

Matt sits next to Keith, placing both hands on his shoulders.

"What do you think about Lance?"

"He's got nice eyes."

"Uh huh."

"He wants to know what Lance tastes like." Pidge grins

"Lip wise or do you wanna be a fucking cannibal?"

"Lips?"

"That's pretty gay and I'm a professional."

"Fuck." Keith whines.

"Get you your mans. I gotta go change before-"

"Pfft what the fuck are you wearing?" Shiro laughs from the door.

"I THOUGHT YOU WERE TAKING ME TO A FANCY PLACE YOU ASSHOLE!" Matt shouts, standing up. He grabs Shiro's hand and pulls him to his room.

"Dude you totally like Lance." Pidge smiles.

"Ugh!" Keith groans, throwing an arm over his eyes.

"Oh don't be a drama queen."

"What do I do?"

"Well, you can continue pining and acting like a jackass with your weird 'i wonder what he tastes like' shit or you could uh confess? I think that's how these things work." Pidge laughs.

"Ughhh can I just be a jackass forever?"

"If you want. Now hush, I'm tinkering with Rover." Pidge smiles, turning their swivel chair around to face their desk. A small pyramid hunk of metal sits on the surface.

Bae Bae runs into Pidge's room and bites Keith's ankle.

"WHAT THE FUCK GET YOUR DOG."

Pidge snorts.

"It don't bite."

"PIDGE ITS BITING ME RIGHT NOW OH MY GOD!" Keith grabs for his knife.

"Keith, stab my dog and I'll kill you."

"GET HIM THEN!"

"Bae Bae." Pidge shouts.

The dog immediately unclenches his jaw and scampers off. Keith huffs and rubs at his leg. Lifting his pant leg to see blood running down it.

"Ah fuck. I hate Bae Bae."

"He hates you too. Now go home and talk to Lance~" Pidge teases.

"Fuck you." Keith chuckles, standing up. He limps down the stairs and next door to his and Shiro's house.

Lance was sat in the living room, Coran and his niece Allura sitting there. Why were they even here? Well, its because they were moved down the block and Coran insisted Allura met Lance.

"Coran, why am I here?" She sighs. Her voice sounded regal and soft. She was quite beautiful too.

"Because you're always cooped up in your room Allura. You should get out more."

"I would if Matt and Shiro lived closer."

"Shiro is terrifying." Lance laughs.

"You know him?" her eyes light up.

"I know Keith more than Shiro. Hah, he kinda dropped into one of me and Keith's calls."

"Oh dear. They fight like they're married." Allura laughs.

"Uh, do you wanna go meet my snake? His name is Blue."

"Oh I don't know. If its no trouble."

"Course not." Lance smiles. He leads her upstairs and into his room.

"Does he bite?"

"Not unless he feels threatened. Blue~ Got you a new friend!" Lance coos, getting Blue out. He carries him over to Allura.

"He's quite cute." Allura giggles, Blue curling around her neck. Tongue flicking out, sniffing her.

"Yeah, do you have any pets?"

"Four! I've got 4 mice."

"Ah, that's cool. I don't think I could actually feed Blue live mice. I wouldn't be able to handle seeing it or seeing if said mouse had injured or killed Blue. He's actually my brothers snake."

"Luis?"

"No, I've got a brother named Marco. He's in college." Lance smiles.

Allura hums, looking around the room. Her eyes land on his binder in the floor.

"What's that?"

"Huh?" Lance's eyes nearly bulge out of his head.

"That. Is it a tank top?"

"Er- yeah.."

"It's quite hideous. You should let me take you shopping one day." Allura smiles.

"Hah yeah." Lance smiles, his phone chimes. He quickly pulls it from his pocket, smiling at the text from Keith.

>>>Keith>>>

K: good news
matt got mad at shiro because he took him to McDonalds instead of a fancy restaurant.

L: bad news?

K: Pidge's fucking dog tried to chew my leg off

L: pfft
hey uh Shiro and Matt's girlfriend is actually here I'll call you later yeah?

K: alright

Lance puts his phone back in his pocket.

"Blue, you're not supposed to get near the underneath of my bed." Lance sighs, picking Blue up.

"Oh dear, I didn't know where he was allowed to go. I'm sorry."

"It's fine, I'm gonna put him up. Uh feel free to sit." Lance smiles.

Allura does so, smoothing her dress down when she sits on the bed.

"Its a nice home you've got, Lana."

Lance flinches, he's so used to being called Lance by friends.

"Did I say something wrong? Perhaps a pronunciation error?"

"Ah no, sorry." Lance smiles, chewing on his bottom lip.

"So, what do you do for fun?"

"Uh, I talk to Keith and Matt's sibling as well as our friend Hunk."

"That's fun."

"Yeah. What do you do?"

"Oh you know, lacrosse, talking to Takashi and Matt, I train with weapons and hand to hand combat occasionally." Allura smiles.

"Cool."

"Mhm. Well, I should ask Uncle if he could take me home. I'm quite famished, I'll see you tomorrow at school, Lana. Would you like to exchange digits?"

Another flinch.

"Are you sure I'm not saying something wrong? Do- do you have a preferred name?"

Lance nearly chews a hole through his bottom lip. Nodding his head slightly.

"Why didn't you say something?! What is it? And your pronouns?"

"I didn't say anything because I'm not out to many people. Just Marco, Keith, Pidge, Hunk, and now you. I go by he/him and Lance."

"Alright, Lance. Let's exchange digits now." she smiles, pulling out her phone.

Nearly as soon as her and Coran leave, Lance grabs his computer and calls Keith.

"Miss me?" Keith smirks.

"Pfft you wish." Lance smiles.

"God my fuckin' ankle hurts."

"Sorry man."

"Pidge kicked me out cause I tried to stab their dog."

"I'd kick you out too. God- I just came out to Allura and it was the most nerve wracking thing. I thought I was gonna chew my lip off." Lance laughs.

"She take it well?"

"Yeah, she saw me flinch at my dead name. So she figured something was up."

"Ah. I'm sorry, its not easy to come out."

"Not at all."

"Matt was so happy, thought Shiro's cheap ass was gonna take him out somewhere nice." Keith chuckles.

Lance soaks in that chuckles and the lopsided smile that comes with it. Man was Keith attractive.

"Ah- thanks."

"What?"

"Said I was attractive." Keith's cheeks were flushed.

Lance squeaks and hides his growing blush.

"Awe don't be embarrassed kitten."

Kitten? Kitten?! Lance's face turns 6 shades darker. My God, Keith. Keith was gonna be the death of Lance.

"Kitten?" he peaks up.

"Jus' a nickname." Keith chuckles again.

"Then can I give you one?"

"Thought it was Keef?"

"Well now that I know you better I think I wanna call you Red." Lance smiles, lopsided.

Keith smiles too, eyes focused on Lance's smile, drifting up to his eyes.

"I like that."

"Mhm?"

"Yeah." Keith grins. He looked lovestruck and so did Lance.

Both of them with their chins in a hand. Soft smiles and heart eyes as the look at each other. Ruined when Lance's door slams open.

"Lana, mamà and papi say get dressed we're going out for dinner. Papi got a promotion at work so he wants to celebrate."

"Okay, give a minute."

Luis closes the door. Lance turns his attention back at Keith who is simply staring where Lance's lips are.

"Hey, you heard that right?"

"Huh?"

"No. Pfft, I gotta go."

"So soon?"

"Awe Keefy's gonna miss me."

"Shut up. Go away."

"Alright, Red. Bye~" Lance coos.

"Bye kitten."

Lance hangs up and sighs. Lovesick. He gets up and gets dressed.

Keith screams in frustration and slams his head on the desk. Tell him. Just tell him. C'mon.

Later. Not today. Not tomorrow. Next week? 2 weeks? Keith would decide later. For now he had to figure out what to cook himself for dinner.

Chapter Text

There was a new student coming in today. Lance was honestly dreading it, he didn't need more people to harass him. Sighing as he got out of bed to shower and get dressed.

He dries off as much as possible before slipping his binder on, blue shirt afterwards. He shimmies into his jeans and slips on his jacket. Socks and shoes next.

He grabs his backpack, laptop, and phone and heads downstairs.

"You gonna eat something or did I make breakfast for nothing mija?"

"Ah, I can't mamà. I'll help with dinner later if you'd like."

"No its fine, I'll get it." she smiles.

He grabs a strawberry to please his mom and quickly eats it, throwing the top into the trash before exiting the house. Allura didn't ride the bus, she thought it was filthy and loud. So Lance was stuck alone, like usual.

His first period class a tall male with long silver hair makes his way into the class. The guy meets Lance's eye and grins. It sent chills down Lance's spine.

Lance looks down at his notebook for a minute before someone taps on his shoulder.

"The seat next to you taken, love?"

"Ah, no." Lance smiles.

"What's your name?"

Lance was split in between telling him Lana or Lance.

"Cat got your tongue?" the male leans over, looking at the name on Lance's notebook.

"Lana McClain." he mutters.

"Y-yep." it hurt Lance to say that.

"Well I'm Lotor Daibazaal."

Lance's stomach drops, that was Lotor. Lotor from Keith's school.

"Do- uh do you know a Keith?"

"No." Lotor scoffs.

"Ah sorry." Lance grabs for his phone and shoots a text to Keith.

>>>Keith>>>

L: keith
that lotor kid is here
what the fuck do i do?

K: stay away from him
he's bad news lance
i don't want you hurt.

L: he's right fucking next to me
shit gotta go
teacher.

Lance puts his phone back up and faces the front of the room. Just ignore the walking L'Oreal commercial, yeah. Easy. He sighs and taps his foot on the tile.

"You don't happen to have another pencil do you?"

"Nope." Lance mutters.

"Ah okay."

By the time lunch rolled around Lance was happy. He'd get to hang out with Allura and take his mind off the whole Lotor situation.

His eyes search the cafeteria for her. Finally landing on her white hair and light pink dress. He rushes over. But soon slows when Lotor swoops into his seat.

Lance chews on his bottom lip. Go in or just sit somewhere else? He sighs and decides to sit there. Next to Allura.

"Oh, Lance have you met Lotor?"

Lance's face pales. She did not just.

"Thought your name was Lana, little bird."

"I-I it is!" Lance squeaks.

Allura sits there dumbfound. She said something wrong again.

Lance gets up from the table and chews on his bottom lip. Tasting blood this time.

"I-I- I'm gonna go.." Lance whispers, heading to the bathroom. By the time he was there he couldn't breathe.

He slips down the wall, panting and heaving. He grabs for his phone, words blurring together on the screen.

>>>Keith>>>

L: jeuth cali ne

It takes a moment for the tone to sound. Lance blindly pokes at the answer button. First thing Keith hears is sobbing and gasping.

"Lance what's wrong? Can you take a deep breath for me?"

Lance hiccups and sobs, taking in a deep shaky breath. His hands and body shaking.

"C'mon Lance you can do this. You're okay."

Lance continues to try and calm down. It doesn't work very well at first but Keith's voice starts to soothe him.

"Hey, hey. You okay now?"

"She- she called me Lance- i-in sc-school. K-Keith they're- they're gonna find out." Lance whispers.

"Who- Lance you gotta calm down."

"Allura- she called me Lance in front of Lotor-" from outside Lance can hear the bell ring.

"I gotta go- I'll call you later." Lance mumbles, hanging up quickly. He grabs his things and exits the bathroom. Not caring that he was obviously crying.

Lotor was waiting outside with a group of girls. Lance's eyes widen. Shit. Next thing he knew he was pinned against the wall by the tallest girl.

"Now, Lance. If you don't want to be outed to everyone here. Hmm especially your siblings I suggest you stay away from Kogane as well as Allura. Block them from your life and never let them back in. Now, call Keithy back and tell him to fuck off."

Lance's eyes widen again.

"W-what? I-I can't do that to him!"

"Then I will." Lotor sighs, grabbing Lance's phone.

"No passcode. That's a bold move McClain."

Lotor calls Keith on Skype and waits for the answer.

"Lance? I thought you had to go? You okay?"

"You're more caring then I remember Kogane." Lotor purrs, a smug grin on his face.

"The hell do you want. Why do you have Lance's phone you ass."

"That's for me to know. Quit contacting him, he doesn't want to speak to you. Do you Lance?"

Lance sobs and shakes his head.

"You fucking asshole yOU'RE FUCKING LUCKY IM NOT THERE OR YOUR REGAL-"

Lotor hangs up and shoves Lance's phone into his chest.

"There. Problem solved." Lotor sighs.

"Zethrid, for fuck sake drop the fucking twerp."

And she does. Lance falls into a pile on the floor. Sobbing again.

"Lotor, don't you think this is a little harsh?" Axca mutters.

"Harsh? Axca, I will show you harsh if you question me again. This is the 2nd time. Do it again and you won't be able to speak." Lotor hisses, grabbing her wrist pulling her along.

Ezor gives Lance a look of pity before rushing off to catch up with them. Zethrid follows and pulls Narti along.

Keith sits in his room, pacing. He couldn't do shit. What if Lotor's generals hurt him? Shit.

"Keith stop pacing!" Shiro shouts.

Keith grabs handfuls of his hair, tugging at them. Pacing more he chews at his bottom lip.

Footsteps from the hall. His door opens.

"Keith- fuck, are you okay?"

"Am- am I okay?! DO I LOOK OKAY TAKASHI?! LOTOR- he- he goes to Lance's school. FUCK! And- he- he's being a manipulative cunt again!" Keith shouts.

Shiro sighs and pulls Keith into a hug.

"We can't do much, Keith."

"Zethrid is gonna end up hurting him and Lotor is gonna hurt Axca for trying to stand up- Shiro, I- I can't lose Lance." Keith was sobbing now.

"Shh, its okay." Shiro whispers, unfurling Keith's hands from his hair.

"Its not! If- If Lance doesn't stop talking to me Lotor is gonna out him- h-he can't do that! Shiro- Shiro I'm gonna lose Lance!" Keith sobs harder, trying to claw at his arms.

Shiro grabs both of Keith's wrists and looks him in the eyes.

"If Lance really likes you and cares about you he'll try to talk to you Keith."

"He probably hates me.." Keith whimpers.

"If he does that's his problem."

"It's my problem too because I like him!" Keith sobs into Shiros chest.

Chapter Text

Keith felt like he was in hell. He was so beyond bored without Lance to talk to. Lance had even left the group chat. He groans for what had to be the hundredth time that day. Nearly a week had passed.

>>>Pidge>>>

K: so,,
how's lance doing?

P: i haven't really talked to him
ask hunk? they're like
best buds

K: okay
thanks

>>>Hunk>>>

K: hunk

H: keith

K: how
how is lance?

H: not so hot
he's upset with allura
he uh he says he misses you
that lotor guy is a real jerk
he goes through lances phone everyday to see if he's talking to you.

K: i miss him
hunk, i miss him a lot.
it feels weird without him.

H: i know man
he'll be back
he's just gotta realize that it doesn't matter

K: it does matter though
i don't want lotor to out him
but i dont want to never talk to lance again
i
i really like him hunk

H: cute
y'know he's been talking about coming out so he's not outed
he wants to talk to you again.

K: are
uh are you in a call with him?

H: yeah
he says hi
oh he's
he's crying

K: tell him its okay
tell him i miss him
its gonna be okay.

H: he misses you too
says it won't be okay until he can talk to you again

K: fuck
if i ever fucking see lotor again
im gonna fucking gut him

H: hey no
if you wanna see or talk to lance
you can't go to prison

K: i know.
god i know but
ugh you don't understand lotor
he's an ass and hurts and uses people

H: yeah
that's how life goes
uh lance wants to know how you are

K: im holding up i guess

H: he says he's sorry

K: he doesn't have to be sorry
he didn't fucking do anything

H: he's still sorry

K: i
i gotta go
tell him to not come out unless he's safe

H: alright
he's says he won't

Keith sighs and slams his phone onto his desk. Cradling his head in his hands. Tears slipping down his cheeks. He bites his chapped and bloodied bottom lip.

He shakes his head and wipes his tears, standing up. He sighs and balls his hand into a fist, hitting it against the wall.

"GOD DAMMIT!" He screams.

Why did everything have to get ruined? He could've confessed to Lance. He should've.

Lance was full on sobbing on call with Hunk.

"I'm so stupid! I shouldn't have even mentioned Keith when he told me his name! Then I could still be talking to him." Lance sobs out.

Lance was certainly an ugly crier. His face kind of shriveled up and his sobs were really ugly.

"You're not stupid Lance. How were you supposed to know he'd pull that shit?"

"I-I don't know. I shouldn't have even talked him or even looked at him. Everything could be okay. I could be watching movies on rabbit with him or talking to him on Skype about how Luis broke his arm again."

"I'm sorry Lance. You shouldn't be so upset about this though. Just talk to him."

"And get outed? Hunk, I can't. If papi found out- he'd- he'd probably kick me out. Its bad enough I'm bi." Lance sighs.

"Its not bad. You're you, Lance. You were made like this and no one can change that fact."

"Why- why couldn't I just be born straight and cis? It'd be so much easier and papi wouldn't hate me." Lance mutters.

"Stop talking like that."

"I-I'm gonna go. I'll talk to you later Hunk." Lance sighs, ending the call. He closes his laptop and heads into the bathroom to wash his face.

Once he gets in there his eyes focus on all of his flaws. He shakes his head, trying to get the thoughts to go away. He takes a deep breath and quickly washes his face.

He exits the bathroom and collapses onto his bed. Two knocks before the door opens.

"Hey, Lana." Veronica says from the door frame.

"Yeah?"

"Dude named Lotor is here for you."

"Ah.. Uh send him in." Lance mumbles, face shoved into his blankets. He missed Keith so much.

The door stays open for a few more moments before shutting.
The bed dips.

"So, McClain. You contact Kogane?"

"No. Can you leave me alone?" Lance sighs.

His shirt gets tugged and suddenly he's sitting up.

"I won't hesitate to have the girls hurt you, McClain. You don't want me to go over to your lovely sisters room and tip her off do you?" Lotor grins, wicked and sickening.

Lance swallows hard and shakes his head.

"Good. Keep being good and I won't out you."

-----TRIGGER WARNING-----

Lance nods and chews on the inside of his cheek. He blinks and Lotor's lips are on his. He tries to shove Lotor away which results in him roughly grabbing Lance's jaw.

"Don't fight Lance." Lotor growls.

"VERO-!" Lance tries to shout which gets cut off by Lotor's lips again.

"Cmon Lance, I know you want this. The way you looked at me on the first day was screaming want." Lotor growls against Lance's lips.

Lance sobs and continues to push against Lotor.

"W-why are you doing this!?" Lance hiccups, stumbling and stuttering over words.

"Because I can." Lotor whispers, pressing his lips roughly against Lance's. Tongue slipping into his mouth.

-----END-----

Keith continues to pace his room, he grabs his phone. Calling Lance. He didn't care he needed to talk to Lance.

An answer.

"I told you to stop contacting Lance didn't I?" Lotor sighs, out of breath. A sob from the background.

"What the hell are you doing at his house?" Keith growls.

"Oh just paying him a visit. Would you like to see him?" the video starts on Lance's end. Lance had tears streaming down his face and large bites on his neck.

"K-keith." Lance sobs.

"Did you-"

"No I didn't rape him. Just simple marking what's mine. Back off Kogane before I send Ezor after you and Shirogane."

Keith freezes, marking what's his?

"Y-you're a fucking ass." Lance wheezes out. A harsh slap and a yelp.

"FUCKING STOP!" Keith shouts.

"Don't call again. Or I may do something drastic Kogane."

The call ends. Keith growls in frustration and he rushes from his room.

"Shiro- we have to do something we can't just- we can't let Lotor do this!" Keith shouts.

"What are we gonna do Keith? He doesn't live here anymore. We don't know where he went. There's nothing we can do." Shiro sighs.

"There has to be! He- he tried to- Shiro he tried to rape Lance!" Keith squeaks, hot tears streaming down his cheeks.

Shiro's eyes widen.

"Shit- Keith. I-I don't,, I don't know what you expect me to do."

Keith groans and rushes back to his room. Going back to his pacing. If he hadn't called, what would've happened? He tugs at his hair, breathing erratic.

-----TRIGGER WARNING-----

His bottom lip tugged between his teeth. He pulls his hands away, strands of hair between his fingers. Instead he starts clawing at his arms, thinking about all the possibilities.

Why couldn't Lotor have just stayed here? Lance wouldn't have to deal with all this. Nearly 30 minutes later he looks down to see his nails covered in blood as well as he wrists.

"Fuck." he whimpers. Always went back to this. He heads to the bathroom, passing Shiro. His eyes widen.

"Keith.."

"I-I-"

"Shut up. I told you if it happened again you had to go back on your meds."

"Shiro they don't help!" Keith shouts.

"Don't even start with that."

Keith pushes past him and into the bathroom. Washing his hands and arms. Cleaning and bandaging himself before heading back to his room.

If he ever got his hands on Lotor again he'd rip his throat out with his teeth.

Chapter Text

Lance couldn't sleep that night. So school was hell. More so than usual. When the school day ends he goes home and straight to his room.

He texts Hunk.

>>>Hunk>>>

L: fuck it
im gonna come out
if papi kicks me out im gonna move in with marco. He gave me the okay.

H: ksjtjsjzjsj
just be safe Lance

L: i will

>>>Marco>>>

L: im gonna come out at dinner tonight.
so ill call if it goes bad.

M: be safe.
please.

Lance sets his phone down and think about what he's gonna say. All of this would get him away from Lotor and that'd be good. He chews on his bottom lip and sighs.

>>>Pidge>>>

P: hunk told me
just
be careful lance
we don't want you hurt more than that prick lotor has hurt you

L: ill be careful pidge

P: good

Lance does homework to pass the time. Getting finished way before dinner. He groans and takes Blue from his tank.

His bedroom door creaks open. He tenses and slowly turns to face it. Lotor. His blood turns to ice.

He stands there frozen, Blue curled around his arm.

"Y-you checked m-my phone today wh-what do you want?" Lance stutters.

Lotor hums and walks over with his hands behind his back.

"Well I was hoping for a nicer welcome. Perhaps a kiss?"

Lance grimaces and puts Blue back up.

"No? Guess I'll take one then." Lotor sighs, shoving Lance against the wall. Hand hovering dangerously over his throat. Lotor then presses his lips to Lance's, tongue pushing into his mouth.

Lance gags and pushes against Lotor.

"I told you not to fight." Lotor rasps when he pulls away.

"Fuck you." Lance spits.

"An invitation?" Lotor grins.

"Hell no."

Lotor sighs and clamps his hand around Lance's throat. Lance's eyes widen, he claws at Lotor's wrist. Tears streaming down his cheek, choked off sobs.

"Stop fighting." Lotor growls.

And Lance does. What else did he have to lose?

"Good job McClain."

Lance gasps in lungfuls of air when Lotor pulls his hand away.

"Next time I kiss you I expect some input."

Lance nods.

"Good. I'll be taking my leave now. By the way your mother says dinner will be done in an hour." Lotor smiles before leaving Lance's room.

Lance sinks down the wall and lets silent tears fall down his cheeks. He curses mentally at whatever is out there for letting this happen.

An hour later two knocks on the door frame.

"Hey Lana, mamà says come downstairs, its time to eat."

"I'll be down in a minute." he mumbles. He felt empty and numb. Bile rushes up his throat and rushes to the bathroom, heaving up nothing but stomach acid.

Lance sits in the bathroom for a minute before he heads downstairs. Anxiety pooling in his stomach. He'd wait until the middle of dinner to tell them.

Picking at his food he barely eats. The anxiety eating away at his stomach. He rubs the back of his neck and chews on the inside of his cheek.

"Uhm, I-I have something to- ugh.. Can I tell you guys something?"

"Of course, mija. What is it?" his mom smiles.

"Heh, uh about that mija stuff. Could you stop with it? I-I- mamà, papi. Luis, Ronny. I'm not the little girl you watched grow up, I never was. For as long as I could remember I've never felt right in this body and you guys always said it was a phase. Well, I did some looking around to figure out exactly what I was feeling. A while ago, I uhm I realized that I'm trans. Your little girl and little sister has never been that. I've always been Lance, not Lana." Lance was in tears by the end as well as his mom.

The table was silent for a good minute or two before his father abruptly stood. His chair scraping loudly against the floor.

"I expect you out in a week." he mutters.

"What?! You can't kick he- him out!" his mother shouts.

"Camilla, shut up for once. He's out and that's final."

Luis and Veronica's eyes widen.

"Papi! You cant!" Veronica shouts.

His father scoffs and leaves the dinning room.

Lance sits there dumbfound. He knew it would happen, so why did it hurt so much.

"Hah,, Marco said I could live with him if this ever happened. So, guess I'm taking that offer sooner than I thought. I only came out because that guy that has been coming over is- he's harassing me and I can't deal with it. I wanna get away from him." Lance mutters, tears falling.

Three sets of arms wrap around him and his mom whispers soothing words.

"I gotta- I gotta call Marco then I gotta pack." Lance mumbles. It all felt so surreal. He stands up when everyone pulls away and stumbles up the stairs.

Leaving a home he grew up in. His eyes drink in everything. The hole in the wall at the bottom of the stairs where he rolled down them and smashed into the wall.

The many pictures of him and his family. The crack in the hallway window where Luis had hit a baseball into it. The cracked door frame in the hallway bathroom where Marco kicked it.

He was leaving chapters of his life behind. What would he do with Blue? He stumbles over to him, pulling him out of the cage.

"I'm sorry baby- I can't take you with me." Lance whimpers, tears falling harder, blinding his vision.

He grabs his phone and calls Marco.

"Lance, are you okay?"

"I-I have to leave. Papi doesn't want me here. I-I knew it'd happen but it hurts so much!" Lance sobs into the phone.

"Oh love..I'll take care of you don't worry."

"I'm leaving so much behind- the hole, the broken window, the crack in the door frame. Blue, Ronny, Luis, mamà, papi. Nyma, Allura. So much is being left behind hermano." Lance cries.

"I know. Book your flight now so you can leave sooner, I'll enroll you to the school here tomorrow. Just be safe, yeah?"

"O-okay." Lance mutters.

"I love you hermano."

"Love you too." Lance hangs up and decides to ask Pidge to add him back to the group chat.

>>>Losers>>>

Chapter Text

Out of all the people he expected to approach him, Nyma had instead. She had tears in her eyes.

"You- you're moving?" her voice sounded broken.

"Uh, yeah. Where'd you hear it from?"

"Veronica, she was upset so I uh I asked what was wrong. She said you're moving in with Marco."

"Yeah, yeah. Why does it matter? You pushed me away."

"Lana, I still care about you."

"Its Lance. The name is Lance." he smiles, a lopsided grin he learned from Marco.

"Huh?"

"Nyma, I'm trans." Lance laughs softly.

"I'll miss you, Lance." she smiles, pulling him into a hug. She kisses his cheek.

"Hey, just keep in touch with me you nerd." Lance sniffles.

"I'll try." she pulls away, wiping her tears.

"I'll be gone this week." Lance sighs.

"Did your family kick you out or something?"

"Papi did. He never approved of me being bisexual, guess this sent him over the edge."

"I guess." Nyma chuckles

"Yeah, I'm gonna find Allura. Talk to her about all this I guess."

"Alright, come see me before you leave this week, Lance." Nyma smiles.

"Will do." Lance smiles. He goes to find Allura. She wasn't in the cafeteria so maybe the library?

He heads towards the library but is stopped abruptly when Lotor pushes him into a wall, forearm pushed against his throat.

"You're fucking leaving?" Lotor growls.

Lance claws at Lotor's arm, tears filling in his eyes.

"Where the fuck are you moving?"

"N-none of your b-business." Lance croaks out, lungs burning.

Lotor clenches his jaw and moves his arm off of Lance's windpipe. Taking a handful of his hair to drag him to the bathroom.

Lance cries out, hitting Lotor's arm.

"Will you ever learn McClain? Don't fucking struggle." Lotor growls, dragging him into the men's bathroom. He drags Lance into the corner, pressing against him. Caging Lance in like an animal.

Lance starts to panic, struggling underneath Lotor's weight. Lips against his. Tongue sliding into his mouth, hand slipping under his shirt, one settled at the base of his throat.

"Kiss back." Lotor growls, squeezing his hand around Lance's throat. Nails digging into the skin.

So Lance does. Nearly throwing up in his mouth as he does so. His heart was hammering in his chest. He takes the moment and bites Lotor's lip, hard. Brings his knee up and hits against his crotch.

Lotor grunts and pulls away, falling to the floor.

Lance kicks him and rushes out of the bathroom, tears rolling down his cheeks. He runs to the front office, rushing in. He runs into the principal, panting heavily.

"Sorry!" he squeaks, backing up and looking up.

"You okay?"

"Not at all."

The principal takes Lance into her office and closes the door behind them.

"What happened..."

"Uh- Lana,, or Lance is preferred. L-Lotor Daibazaal dragged me into the mens bathroom and f-forced himself on me." Lance whispers, his heart pounding, blood thrumming in his ears.

His stomach was in knots, blood ice cold. Breathing uneven.

The principals eyes widen.

"Daibazaal forced himself on you?"

"Yes ma'am, could you- could you call my mother?"

"Of course. We'll get this taken care of Lance." she smiles.

He waits in the office shaking for 30 minutes before his mom picks him up. She pulls him into a hug, pressing a kiss to the top of his head.

When he gets home he rushes to him room and locks the door. He strips from his clothes and runs a hot shower. He sinks to the floor of the shower and sits there.

He cradles his body and lets out a sob. Body shaking as he cries. He sits in there until the water turns frigid.

He turns the water off and gets out. Grabbing a towel, he wraps it around himself and dries off. Padding to his room to get dressed.

His blood turns cold, Axca sitting on his bed.

"W-what do you want?" Lance whimpers, backing up. His towel tight around his body.

"I'm not gonna hurt you don't worry. I-Ive fallen victim to Lotor as well. I know how it feels. I'm sorry he did that to you, nobody deserves this shit. I wanna get Zethrid, Narti, and Ezor to see that. I don't want Ezor getting hurt like I do. Soon Lotor will grow tired of me and he'll move to Ezor. He's already had Narti in his clutches. Poor girl is mute and blind from the abuse." Axca sighs.

"I'm sorry."

"Its not your fault you don't gotta apologize. Keep in touch with me and uhm tell me how Keith is? Krolia and I would like to know."

"Who's Krolia?"

"His mom. She left when he was a baby, she's undercover in Zarkon and Lotor's drug cartel. The Galra, is what the gang is called. Her brother Kolivan runs the whole thing."

"Keith's uncle. The knife, malaria?"

"Malmora." Axca chuckles.

"Shiro calls it malaria." Lance laughs, he felt awkward as hell.

"I should get going. I'll leave my number for you." she smiles, grabbing a piece of paper and pen from Lance's desk. She scrawls her number and takes her leave.

Lance quickly gets dressed and collapses in a heap on his bed. He yawns and pulls his blanket over his body. Drifting into a nightmare filled sleep.

He wakes up feeling like Lotor's hands were trailing his body. Hands in his pants, up his shirt. Disgusting lips against his own.

He sits straight up, eyes wide. Panting, he realizes it was a dream. He grabs his phone and unlocks it.

>>>Keith>>>

K: how
um how was school?

L: horrible.

K: what happened?

L: lotor um he found out im moving.
he got really mad and dragged me to the bathroom.
tried to force himself on me so i bit his lip really hard and kneed him.
then i ran to the office and told the principal and i got sent home

K: anything else?

L: got out of the shower a little bit ago and his girl Axca was in my room.

K: what'd she do
are you okay?

L: im fine
she's going through the same thing
but a lot worse.
she told me about narti,,

K: what about her?

L: she's mute and blind
lotor uhm
lotor got her bad

K: what the fuck
narti was the sweetest girl in that group.

L: sounds like it.
axca really cares about ezor

K: that's cause they're dating

L: ah
cute

K: when are you moving?

L: flight is this weekend.
marco has things for me there so
im packing light like a couple bags.

K: you think you'll like it where you're going?

L: moving from florida to arizona, heard its hot there

K: uh
mind me asking where in arizona?

L: think its phoenix
why?

K: ...
...
Lance

L: uh huh?

K: we might live close together,,

Lance's heart races.

>>>Marco>>>

L: what school are you enrolling me to?

M: Galaxy Garrison
you still like astronomy right?

L: yeah
flights this weekend btw

>>>Keith>>>

L: hes enrolling me to the galaxy garrison
you heard of it?

K: ...
lance
oh my god

L: what?

K: that's my school.
that's me and Pidge's fucking school.

L: oh
oh my god

>>>Pidge>>>

L: PIDGE
PIDGE
PIDGE

P: wHAT

L: im
im moving right

P: yes

L: guess what

P: what

L: galaxy garrison
that's the school ill be going to

P: no.
no fuckin way
you're
you're joking right

L: not at all

P: holy
holy shit
holy shit
HOLY SHIT.

L: I KNOW
IM NERVOUS

P: don't be
if you have Iverson
just be prepared to be terrified

L: this means keith is gonna see me in person
and he's gonna see what i don't want anyone to see..

P: you'll do fine, lance

L: no
oh my god
pidge
pidge i'm gonna die

P: keith will like you no matter what now hush
i have robots to program and things to hack into ily

L: ilyt

Lance was dying. He was happy but he was nervous. Terrified. Carnivorous butterflies rip at his stomach. Filling up to his lungs and spill out of his throat. Blood covered monarchs.

He hated these feelings. His stomach was a mess of knots. Nerves tangled and tied. He shoves his face into his pillow and groans. Life sucked balls.

Chapter Text

The days passed in a blur and suddenly it was Saturday. He got out of bed, his body as heavy as lead. He was leaving his home.

He trudged around his room, finding his clothes. He slips into a pair of jeans, his binder, and a large shirt. Yawning as he heads out of his room and downstairs.

It was barren of people. He hums and heads to the kitchen. Why not make breakfast on his last day.

He whips up some pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Blinking blankly, he turns around. Jumping when he spots Luis at the counter.

"Mierda!" Lance hisses.

"Cálmate, soy solo yo." Luis laughs.

"Its not funny! I thought you were Lotor here to kill me or some shit." Lance huffs, handing Luis a plate of food.

"Lo siento. Ah you're moving today."

"Uh huh." Lance mutters.

"We'll miss you hermano."

"I'll miss you too." Lance smiles.

The rest of the day was nice. He grabs his phone and heads down the street to Nyma's around noon. He knocks on the door. Her mom answering.

"Can I help you?" She smiles.

"Uh it's- its Lana.. I'm here to see Nyma?"

"Oh Lana! Come in sweetie."

He bites his tongue. Its fine. She doesn't know. She doesn't need to know.

"She's in her room. You remember where that is right?"

"Yeah, thanks." he smiles and heads up the stairs to Nyma's room. He knocks and waits for an answer.

"Come in!" she shouts.

Lance opens the door and smiles.

"Hey.. I'm uh leaving for the airport in 2 hours." Lance chuckles.

"You- you were serious.."

"Yeah. I'm sorry Nyma. I'll visit home for holidays and what not. I'll make sure to come see you." He smiles.

"You ass!" Nyma weeps, pulling Lance into a hug.

"Hey, where was all this months ago? All this hugging, huh?"

"Shut up!" Nyma huffs, her face buried in Lance's chest.

"Hah if I didn't have my binder on you'd be between my man tits." Lance snorts.

Nyma busts out laughing and shoves Lance.

"Way to ruin a moment. You know I only pushed you away cause I didn't wanna hurt you. Like relationship wise."

"You hurt me anyways, Nyma. Its fine though. There's this dude I met through one of my online friends and he may have a mullet but he's cute."

"Ooh let me see!"

"I'll have to ask Pidge for w picture."

"What kinda name is Pidge?"

"Well, their birth name is Katie, but they're nonbinary so they go by Pidge. That and they were uh kicked out by the school looking for documents. So they had to go in by a different name. Found out their identity and just stuck with Pidge."

"Ah, they sound cool."

"They are." Lance smiles.

>>> Pidge >>>

L: hey
send me a picture of keith
nyma wants to know what he looks like

P: uh
the bitch that left you?
okay,,
img.attached
img.attached
img.attached

L: thanks

"Hmm he's okay."

"He's broody and all but he's actually a sweetheart uh let me show you a video my friend took." Lance mumbles. He pulls up the video and lets its play.

"Lance,, he totally likes you. Just go for it."

"I dunno. I'm gonna be seeing him in person y'know? He goes to the galaxy garrison up in Arizona."

"Oh shit. Is that where you're going?"

"Yep."

"Man, I'll really miss you."

"I'll miss you too. Do you have Skype? We could keep in touch and video chat."

"Oh, yeah! Uh here I'll write my info down." she smiles.

Lance sits on her bed remembering all the sleepovers they had when they were younger. They were nearly inseparable until 8th grade.

They'd sit in Nyma's bed, giggling and prank calling people. Snickering about inside jokes. He wondered if Nyma still had that bracelet he made her.

"Hey, Ny' do you still have that bracelet?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah that old thing." she laughs and digs through her jewelry. Pulling out a beaded bracelet with best on it.

"You still have yours?"

"Course I do." Lance smiles.

"You sentimental shit head."

"Hey can't throw away a perfectly good bracelet from 3rd grade."

"This doesn't feel real." Nyma mutters, sinking down to the edge of the bed.

"I know." Lance sighs, his head dangling from the edge of the bed.

"You- you told me to try kissing girls.."

"Yeah?"

"I know- I know you aren't but you still have everything.. Could- could.. Could I kiss you?" Nyma's face was bright red. Before Lance gets a chance to speak up.

"Nevermind it's stupid! You're a guy and I know that! I-I'm sorry that probably upset you or something."

"Hey, its fine." Lance laughs, sitting up. He moves to the floor to sit across from her.

"I uh I don't know how well it'll go because last person I kissed was Lotor..." Lance mumbles.

"Oh. Did you want it?"

"Not at all." Lance whispers.

"Who the hell does that?!"

"Him apparently."

"I'll have Rolo kick his ass."

"No, its fine."

"Its not! Its not, Lance! You can't just say that because people will keep doing that to you! Don't let assholes like that take advantage of you! God you're so-"

Lance huffs and cups her face, pressing his lips to hers.

She tenses before relaxing, her eyes fluttering shut. Her hands resting on Lance's arms. She eventually makes her way onto Lance's lap.

The door opens and something shatters.

Nyma falls off Lance's lap, her eyes wide.

"Lana, I'm going to have to ask you to leave." Nyma's mom speaks calmly but you could tell she was pissed.

"I'm sorry Nyma." Lance whispers, hugging her before he takes her leave.

He rushes back down to his house, his heart racing. He probably just ruined Nyma's life.

"Where were you mija? We have to get to the airport in 30 minutes. Get your bags into the car."

"Lo siento. I was at Nyma's."

"You two make up?"

"By the looks of it they made out too." Veronica chuckles.

"Oh shut up!" Lance squeaks.

"Finally." Luis laughs.

"I don't even like Nyma anymore! She was curious, I may not be a female but biologically I am." Lance huffs.

"Alright quit giving Lana- Lance, shit. Sorry sweet heart." his mom smiles.

"I'm gonna get my things." Lance mutters, heading upstairs. He grabs his things and heads back downstairs. Heading outside to put the bags in his mom's minivan.

When he's closing the trunk he feels a pair of arms wrap around him. His eyes widen and he starts to squirm.

"Its just me." Nyma mutters.

"DONT DO THAT SHIT!" Lance shouts, turning around when Nyma lets go

"I'm sorry." she wipes her eyes and nose.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Just sad you're leaving."

"Sorry." Lance mumbles.

"Its fine, don't apologize." they sit in silence for a moment, the only noise being passing cars and the birds chirping

"You- you should've kissed me sooner." Nyma whispers.

"What?"

"You should've kissed me sooner, Lance." she speaks up

And so Lance pulls her into another kiss, one hand settled on her lower back the other cupping her cheek.

Tears fall down both of their cheeks, Nyma holding on to Lance like a life line.

"Sure you don't like her anymore hermano?" Veronica teases.

Lance jumps, pulling away.

"Call me when you land." Nyma whispers, kissing Lance for a last time before rushing home.

"I don't even know anymore Ronny." Lance groans, climbing into the minivan. Luis, Veronica and his mom getting in soon after him.

"Why do you say that?"

"Because I like Keith, but somewhere deep down those feelings for Nyma still exist." Lance sighs.

"Who makes you happier?"

"Keith. Nyma ditched me for years."

"Who comforts you the most?"

"Keith, he stays up on Skype with me when I'm upset."

"Who makes you smile and makes your heart skip a beat?"

"Both."

"Well, it your decision. You go with someone that you'll only see on holidays or you go with someone that'll be close."

Lance sighs and looks out the window. 3 hours on a plane ahead.

>>>Losers>>>

L: going to the airport now.
my sister is a dick

P: most siblings are

K: what'd she do?

L: she's just messing with me about whatever she can

H: what about your mom is she okay?

L: she's crying
and babbling in spanish.

K: that's always fun

L: yeah
except i can't understand anything she's saying because its so mixed in with her sobs.

H: so Arizona?

L: yep
3 hour flight

K: that seems so short

L: i know i was kinda shocked to see that

P: well
just be safe

L: that all depends on the pilot.
uh gotta go
talk later.

And with that Lance waits with his family for his flight to be called. Its a mess of crying and hugs.

"You be safe with Marco!" his mom shouts when he's boarding.

"I will mamà!"

"Good! Or I'll find you and I'll throw my sandals at you!"

Lance laughs, tears streaming down his cheeks. His seat was next to the window and some old lady. Hopefully she'd leave him alone.

He finds himself subconsciously touching his lips. Still tasting the vanilla chapstick Nyma had on. Her lips were really soft. He shakes the thoughts from his head and looks out the window. Watching the world shrink as they take off.

Chapter Text

The plane touches down and he exits it. Getting his bags off the belt. He stands around for a little bit before calling Marco.

"Hey are you on your way?"

"Shit- sorry. I'll be there in 20."

"Okay." Lance sighs, hanging up. He takes a seat and texts the group chat.

>>>Losers>>>

L: guess who just landed!

P: sAKFJAKJDJWD
REALLY???

K: holy shit
seriously?

L: yeAH Y'ALL GOT AN ANNOYING BOI TO DEAL W NOW AHAH

K: you're not annoying shut the fuck up

P: aggressive compliments

H: aggressive reassuring

P: i smell
a crush
the sweet aroma of a keith pining after a beautiful boy

H: i can taste it all the way in san diego

K: i
do not
have
a
crush
shut
up
before
i stab all of you.

L: please don't stab me also
hunk
text me
pls

H: gotchu boo

>>>Hunk>>>

H: what's up
you got the daily tea or smth

L: i made out with nyma
we were in her bedroom bc she wanted to hang out b4 i left and she wanted to know what it's like to uh kiss a girl.
i mean obvi im not a girl but like biologically i am so she was curious and rambling so i kissed her and it got heated and it was nice and i enjoyed it and it took my mind off lotor and it was a really good kiss and i feel guilty because i like keith but he hates me and like we aren't even dating but i feel guilty
then we kissed two more times and its just uGH HUNK I STILL HAVE FEELINGS FOR HER BUT I LIKE KEITH

H: oh bby
okay
who makes you happier?

L: keith,,

H: okay
who makes your heart pound just with a look or laugh or smile?

L: keith,,

H: who makes your face flush with just a few words?

L: keith

H: who takes your breath away?

L: both of them
they're both really fucking hot
my god
nyma has really soft lips and she smells good and has this really nice vanilla chapstick and her body wash is vanilla
she's really nice but she abandoned me for years and she still has that bracelet i made her in 3rd grade and that made my heart pound
but keith
he's another story.
he's got these mysterious violet/grey eyes, his lips look chapped but also soft. his hair looks gross as fuck but also looks really fluffy. he's got this nice voice that just puts me to sleep. also that month i didn't see him i swear to god he got beefier
like damn
also hes a huge softie at heart and loves finding nemo
he cried
he also cried at all the disney movies we watched. he's secretly a huge disney nerd and sung along to i won't say i'm in love perfectly and it was adorable

H: go for keith
you like him more it's obvious
nyma is just looks and old feelings + long distance isn't that good believe me. it sucks
i have a gf in new york and she's a sweetheart but i feed off cuddles so its difficult.
she's gonna visit at christmas

L: aweee

H: look at her
img.attached

L: sHE'S SO PRETTY???
MY GOD

H: I KNOWW

L: jsudjsjsh marco is here byee

Marco smiles and pulls Lance into a hug.

"It's good to see you again, Lance. This is my girlfriend, Calliope." [not a homestuck reference go home w that shit]

"It's nice to meet you." she smiles.

"Nice to meet you too." Lance smiles. Pulling away from the hug Marco had him in.

Calliope was beautiful. How did Marco score with her? She had dyed hair, a light peach color, long and silky. Her skin was fair, soft freckles on her cheeks and nose. Round lips, a nice sized nose. She was tall, around 5'8. Marco stood at 6'0. Lance stuck at the height of 5'4.

"We have a surprise for you at the house." Marco smiles.

"Doesn't seem ominous at all." Lance snorts.

"Ah whatever, c'mon. I'm sure you'll love it. Also we're gonna get you a gender therapist so you can have someone to talk to about all this and they can figure out when to put you on testosterone and such." Calliope smiles. She had a soft voice. It was calming.

"Are- are you serious? You aren't like- you're not pranking me or anything right?" Lance had tears in his eyes.

"Course we're not pranking you hermano. What kind of brother would joke about that?"

"An evil one."

"Yeah and I'm not Luis, so you're good."

"You do too much for me." Lance mutters, wiping at his eyes.

"Save the tears." Marco laughs, pulling Lance along to the car.

Lance freezes at the touch. His stomach swirls and he puts his hand over his mouth.

"Lance?" Marco looks back.

His voice sounded distorted and it made his blood turn cold. Tears run down his cheeks as he feels hands roaming his body. Breath against the back of his neck, lips against his skin.

And then its gone. He swallows down the bile that rushed to his throat. Grimacing, he realizes they're still in the middle of the airport parking lot.

"Sorry-"

"What happened?" Marco's eyes were wide and filled with worry. The same with Calliope's.

"I-I- I'll tell you later." Lance mumbles, shaking the thoughts of Lotor out of his head. He can't hurt you here.

"Okay." Marco sounded reluctant to let things go.

They head to the car and pile in. The ride to Marco and Calliope's silent. It was uncomfortable and weird, but oddly comforting.

>>>Keith>>>

L: lotor has ruined everything for me

K: what?
are you okay?

L: my brother grabbed my wrist to pull me to his car and i froze
i could feel lotors hands and breath on me
his hair tickling my nose and his disgusting lips.
im never gonna think of cherries the same.

K: im sorry lance
i
i wish i could take your place.
you didn't deserve that shit.
you just want to be happy in your own skin and some over priced walking L'Oreal commercial comes and ruins it for you.
also he still uses cherry chapstick?
my god he's living in katy perry's i kissed a girl still

L: i don't want you to go through this shit either.
its fucking horrible and i never wish it upon anyone

K: so how's uh
how's it going? besides all that?
do you like it here?

L: its different than florida that's for sure
uh a lot hotter, but from what i've seen its scenic?
uh the car ride is very silent and awkward.

K: yeesh
awkward silence sucks
also if you want scenic i'll have to show you some places
especially out where i used to live

L: sounds good
i gotta go
marco and calliope have a surprise for me apparently and-
oh im being blinded bye

K: pfft bye

"Now Cal' didn't know what your favorite shade of blue is- i told her like the beaches and oceans but obviously she's never lived by the coast. So its more of a sky blue?"

"No, it's a dark blue. How do you get sky blue and dark blue mixed up, Marco? God you're an idiot sometimes." Calliope laughs.

"I'm hurt- oh right. Uh, you aren't allergic to cats right? I can't remember."

"No? Marco, you should know I love cats."

"Cool. Cool. Cause Cal' is a fucking cat lady- OW!"

Lance had no idea what was happening.

"Shut up Marco. God- just let him see his damn room."

"Jeez, okay." Marco hisses, pulling his hand off Lance's face.

Lance blinks, eyes adjusting to the brightness.

"Oh he doesn't like it! I suck at interior design! And painting- Marco I'm never gonna make it out there!"

"Cal' he hasn't said anything. Just wait."

Lance looks around, the walls painted a brilliant blue. Sort of like the blue that melds into the pinks of the sunset that creates the beautiful purples.

A white desk in the corner with two plants on it. Their pots around the same color as the walls. His bed in the corner, blue and white bedding. A small bookshelf in the corner filled with books and magazines.

Lance lets out a sob.

"See he hates it Marco! Its so ugly- mmph!"

Marco slaps his hand over Calliope's mouth.

"Let the man speak!" Marco laughs.

"Thank you." Lance whispers, voice sounding broken.

Calliope starts crying as well, she wraps her arms around Lance and holds him close.

Oh boy, tits in his face. Man is he sure glad he doesn't have that problem when he has his binder on.

"Shit!" Lance pushes away.

"What's wrong?"

"I've had my binder on too long- how didn't I notice that?!" Lance whines, shoving Calliope and Marco out

"We got you a few things. Like pajamas and sweaters. Most of the clothes are things Marco can't fit in anymore." Calliope smiles before Lance closes the door.

"Thanks!"

Lance wipes at his tears and takes off his shirt and binder. Taking a deep breath, he hisses.
His ribs ached. He rubs at his sides and sighs.

No wearing that for a few days. Stupid flight. He searches for a sweater, finding one in the closet, he smiles and slips it on. It was large and comforting, helped hide his chest a bit too.

"Hey, Lance. Are you hungry?"

"Huh? Uh-" his stomach growls and he laughs.

"Yeah- Yeah I'm hungry."

"Alright, be out here in like 10. Cal' and I are gonna get dressed and feed the cat then we can go."

"Okay." Lance felt at home here. Welcomed. Accepted.

>>>Losers>>>

L: henlo nerds my ribs ache and we're going out to eat.

P: take off your fucking binder

H: take a break from it too!!

L: already took it off now I'm swimming in a sweater and holy shit
this bed
oh my god
its so comfy
also MARCOS GIRLFRIEND IS AN ANGEL

K: how is she an angel?
plus isn't hunk the angel?

L: there can be more than one angel
img.attached
img.attached
img.attached
img.attached

H: 1. thank you keith
2. that's a wonderful room
3. LANCE YOU LOOK ADORABLE

P: i second 2 and 3

K: ,,,
3 is accurate

P: AJEHDJAJDJSJ

Lance smiles and sighs.

"Oh I know that look and that type of sigh." Calliope laughs.

Lance shrieks and nearly jumps out of his skin.

"Sorry sorry didn't mean to scare ya. So who's the lucky guy or gal?"

"It's no one. Just some dude my friend introduced me to."

"Oh? Doesn't seem like no one. C'mon tell me about it before Marco comes in here and ruins everything I swear he takes longer than me everytime we go out."

"He's just a guy-"

"Nuh uh nope no you're gonna tell me about this guy."

"Ugh. His name is Keith."

"Mhm."

"And I like him."

"Uh huh. Keep going. Is he dreamy? Do you wanna kiss him?"

"I think I've had my share of kissing for a while,," Lance mumbles, shuddering.

"What do you mean?"

"It doesn't matter. I don't wanna think about it. I'm away from the problem."

"Lance did someone-"

"You two ready?"

"Yeah." Lance hops up.

Calliope chews on the inside of her cheek and stands up as well

"So where we going?" Lance smiles.

"I was thinking McDonalds cause uh- we gotta save money for your therapist and then eventually hormone blockers and testosterone."

"Pfft alright I'm fine with that."

"Cool." Marco smiles and ruffles Lance's hair.

Everything was gonna be alright here.

Chapter Text

When the get to the McDonald's Lance tells Marco what he wants then goes to find a seat. He spots an open booth in the corner and decides to go sit there. Tapping away at his phone.

"Mind if I sit here with you?" a slightly familiar voice asks.

Lance looks up, Pidge standing there. A smug look on their face.

"Holy shit!" Lance squeaks, pulling them into a hug.

"Can't breathe." they laugh.

"Sorry!" Lance laughs, letting them go.

"Keith is too busy brooding at home to join my brother and I. Every Friday we come here and talk about cryptids."

"Ah, that's fun."

"You disappointed your boyfriend isn't here~" Pidge teases.

"He's not- its not like that!" Lance whines, pushing Pidge.

"Well I better go, I can feel Matt staring at the back of my head. I'll see you Monday at the Garrison."

"Alright, tell Keith hello for me."

"Oh he's gonna be pissed I met you before him." Pidge cackles, heading towards the door. Waving as they leave with their brother.

"Who was that?" Marco asks, setting down the food

"Was that the guy you like?" Calliope smiles.

"No, that's our friend. The one that brought Keith into the group chat. Their name is Pidge."

"Pidge?" Marco raises an eyebrow

"They're nonbinary and that's the name they go by." Lance shrugs, taking his food.

They eat and have an idle conversation. Marco steals Calliope's fries and all hell breaks lose.

"Marco, if you wanted fries you should've gotten some- you always do this and it pisses me off you're lucky I don't throw you in front of traffic."

Lance snorts and soda sprays from his nose. Causing the table to erupt in laughter.

"Pfft! Did- did you just fucking shoot soda from- from your nose?!" Calliope laughs, banging her hand on the table, kicking the booth.

They leave the McDonald's around 7. Heading back home. The car ride is silent.

"So, Lance. You gonna tell us what happened at the airport?" Marco asks, looking in the rearview mirror at Lance.

"Do I have to?"

"Yes."

"Just- you pulling on my wrist made me freak out."

"Why? Did papi hurt you?"

"What? No! Papi didn't hurt me."

"Then who did?!" Marco huffs.

"Does it matter? I'm away from him and that's all that matters."

"Lance, just tell us, please." Calliope turns to look at Lance. A sympathetic look on her face.

"A guy tried to force himself on me for a month. My friend called me Lance and he figured out I'm trans. He knows Keith and I mentioned Keith so he made me stop talking to him or he'd out me. Then just yesterday or something he dragged me to the bathroom and tried to- he tried to rape me." Lance shudders.

"Why didn't you tell anyone?!" Marco shouts.

Lance shrinks, playing with the hems of his jeans.

"Don't yell at him Marco. Those things are hard to tell someone. I'm sorry that happened to you Lance, some people are just really fucked in the head." Calliope sighs, reaching back to ruffle Lance's hair.

"It's fine." Lance mumbles, looking out the window at the city illuminated by stop lights and street lights.

The rest of the car ride was quiet and tense. As soon as Marco parked the car outside of the apartment building Lance rushed inside.

"Marco, that can be a sensitive topic. We should avoid bringing it up until he's completely ready to talk about it. Don't yell at him for it either, he probably thinks its his fault. Its not pleasant, it'll take him a while to get used to being touched in the places his attacker had touched him. Just give him some time, trust me." Calliope smiles, pressing her lips to Marco's before getting out of the car.

>>>Losers>>>

P: lmao i just saw lance at mcdonalds

H: ew
mcdonalds

K: sjJEJFJS WHAT???

P: yeah man if you would've come out and talked about cryptids like we do every Friday you would've saw him
he's a big ol cutie y'know
big sweet heart
good warm hugs mm

K: pidge
im gonna give you 2 minutes to lock your doors.

P: jokes on you they already are fuck face

K: i'll climb through the vents

P: i
no??

L: hi

H: lANCE

L: hunk
shit
i told nyma i'd call when i land
talk to you guys later??

K: ,,
call me before you go to bed

L: 'kay

P: sniff.
hunk.
do you smell what i smell?

H: brewing romance
and a hint of
sniff
oblivious pining idiots

P: exactly

Lance grabs his computer and calls Nyma on Skype. Yawning as he waits for an answer.

"Hey." Nyma smiles.

"Hey."

"You land okay?"

"Well yeah. I'm alive."

"Pfft shut up."

"So what'd your mom say after I left?"

"Doesn't matter. How you holdin ' up?"

"Doing as good as I can." Lance smiles.

Nyma yawns and rubs at her eyes.

"If you're tired you should sleep Ny'"

"Mm I will just- stay on til I fall asleep." Nyma mumbles, eyes fluttering shut.

Lance waits til her breathing evens out before he hangs up.

>>>Keith>>>

L: you wanted to call?

K: yeah
hold on

L: okay

It takes a minute but Keith's profile picture pops up as well as a decline and answer button. He answers and smiles.

"Hey there."

"Hey." Keith's voice was groggy and low.

"Did you just wake up?"

" Psh no where'd you get that from."

Keith sounded even better half asleep than awake.

"Well your eyes are kinda red and your voice is all groggy like you just woke up."

"Maybe I'm high."

"Pfft. Yea. I shot soda from my nose earlier."

"Cute." Keith chuckles, looking down at his arms. Pissed at himself for scratching them up.
If he hadn't he wouldn't be back on that shitty medicine

"You okay?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah. Yeah I'm fine. I'm back on my meds that's all."

"Why?"

"When you uh- when Lotor had your phone that night I ended up um ah it's nothing don't worry." Keith sighs

"If you insist. So you gonna miss school?"

"Mm and pass up the opportunity of meeting you?"

Lance's cheeks flush.

"Shut up."

"I wanna meet you."

"Same here."

"You think you could sneak out or something? Give me your address and I can pick you up?"

"I- I dunno. I'm getting kinda tired and Marco is already mad at me for not telling him about Lotor."

"Ah. So gotta wait til tomorrow or Monday huh?"

"Yeah."

"Man that sucks."

Lance yawns and studies Keith's face. His eyes were dark, sorta empty. Glazed over.

"I'm still tired as hell."

"Lets sleep then."

"I wanna talk to you." Keith whines, pouting like a child.

"You may have gotten more mature in your looks but not your attitude." Lance laughs.

"Rude. I could just hang up on you right now."

"But you won't cause you missed me."

"Shut up. Go to bed you fucking loser."

"Okay jeez. G'night, Red."

"Night kitten."

Lance rolls over, huffing slightly. That stupid nickname again. His cheeks felt hot and his heart was pounding. He shoves his face into his pillow and eventually falls asleep.

Keith knocked out right after him. Snoring loudly, one arm thrown over his eyes and the other spread across his bed.

Two idiots in love. Two completely oblivious idiots in love. That's what they were.

Chapter Text

Keith was having a horrible day. He kept looking down at his wrists, unable to take his eyes off the scars. He chews at his bottom lip, tapping his foot on the kitchen floor

"Do I have to take these fucking meds?" Keith groans.

"I've told you this already. Take your meds."

"They don't fucking help."

"You're gonna take them. That's final, Keith."

Keith simply sighs and compiles the pills in his mouth. Swallowing them dry. Grimacing at the feeling of them dragging down his throat.

He continues staring down at the array of scars. Jagged and deep, small and thin. Long lines and short lines.

"You going to the Garrison today?"

"Maybe."

"Maybe?"

"Yea sure what the fuck ever." Keith huffs. Tearing his eyes away from the scars. He hated them now. At the time it was fine and all. Made him feel something for a while. Now they're just ugly reminders of how much of a fuck up he is.

>>> Pidge >>>

K: come over

P: oh yeah
you're going to school today

K: yea

P: be there in 5 hold on

Keith heads back to his room and strips from his sweats and t-shirt. Changing into a new black shirt and a pair of black jeans. He slips into his red jacket and shoves his feet into his boots.

They were going to kick him from the Garrison, but Shiro begged for them to keep him there. They complied and let him stay, but if he had anymore discipline issues, he'd be kicked out.

He heads into the living room and sits on the couch. Kicking his feet up on the coffee table. He hikes up his sleeves and looks at the scars again.

Something in the back of his mind told him he needed more. It was drowned out eventually when the meds kicked in. So he stares blankly at his arms.

"Hey nerd." Pidge smiles

"Hey." Keith mumbles.

"Shiro throw you back on your meds without working up to the dosage?"

"Mmh."

"Fucking idiot. C'mon we get to go meet your little boyfriend."

"He's not my boyfriend."

"But you wish he was."

"Yeah."

"You two ready?" Shiro asks.

"Yep." Pidge smiles.

The ride to the garrison was silent. Keith staring out the window blankly. Everything seemed like it was in black an white. Nothing mattered in that moment. Not even meeting Lance.

Keith was so beyond numb that he couldn't remember what it felt like to be in the moment with Lance and just be happy.

The school rolls up and Keith blinks. It felt like it was only 2 minutes. He blinks again and gets out of the car. Autopilot.

"Lance is waiting out front for us."

Sounded like they were under water. Keith nods. He felt floaty and like he was watching himself from a movie or a game.

Heavy footsteps, trudging against the asphalt. Sluggish movements. Exhaustion. He felt like a zombie.

"Is he okay?"

And suddenly he's back to the real world. Feeling like he just got out from the bottom of the ocean. He rubs at his face.

"Sorry. Shiro insisted I get put back on meds."

"I know, you told me last night."

This was all so surreal. It had to be a dream

"Pidge, will you pinch me?"

"What? Why?"

"I'm dreaming."

"No you aren't." Pidge snorts.

"Are you saying I'm the man of your dreams?" Lance teases.

Pidge pinches him and he sorta sits there. He could feel it but it didn't hurt. Numb. Numb. Everything was numb.

He felt like he was buried under snow. Fingers numbing, toes frozen. Sound muffled and nearly gone. Relaxing. He could stay there forever.

The whole day goes on like that. Cold. Numb. Quiet. A blur.

He had been stuck with Iverson the whole day. His words seemed to be muffled. Go in one ear and right out the other. Keith was floating in the ocean and if he didn't stay upright he'd drown.

Only his mouth and nose above the water. His ears filling with the bone chilling liquid. Any wrong move would set him off and he'd be pulled under.

"Kogane, class is dismissed. Get outta here." Iverson grumbles.

Keith blinks and looks at the clock. The school day was over.

"Sorry sir." Keith mumbles, getting up from his chair.

"You alright?"

Why did he care?

"Meds, sir." Keith mutters, grabbing his things and leaving.

This isn't how he wanted to meet Lance. He wanted to be off his meds and be able to talk without trailing off.

"Does- does Keith hate me?" Lance asks Pidge. They were waiting outside for Keith.

"What? No! Lance, he's back on his meds and Shiro didn't let him build up to his dosage. He zones out a lot and gets really tired."

"I dunno it feels like he hates me."

"Who hates who?"

"Nothing- nobody." Lance squeaks.

"Oh, okay." Keith rubs at his eyes and groans.

"Tired?" Pidge smiles sympathetically.

"Yeah. I know I should eat but damn I'm not hungry." Keith mumbles.

"You should eat."

"I know I should. If I move wrong I'm gonna drown. If I do anything wrong I'm gonna drown."

They sit there in silence for a bit. A car pulls up and honks, knocking them all out of their little dream lands.

"Ah that's Marco. I'll talk to you guys later." Lance smiles.

"I'll probably be asleep." Keith smiles lazily.

"No worries. We can call when you wake up." Lance waves, getting into Marco's car.

"Is that the Keith kid?"

"Yeah."

"He looks dead."

"His brother put him back on his meds. He's just drowsy it's no biggie."

"Whatever you say cadet." Marco snorts, driving off.

As soon as Keith is home he lays on the couch and passes out. He's not taking those damn pills tomorrow. He doesn't dream about anything. Just darkness.

He wakes up around midnight in his room. He blinks and rubs his eyes. Did Shiro carry him to his room? Shrugging, he grabs his phone.

Immediately blinded by the screen he groans. Adjusting to the light he checks his messages.

>>>Losers>>>

L: Calliope's cat won't leave me alone
send help

H: awee is it a good cat?

P: dogs are superior

L: yeah she's a good cat
she's missing an eye

P: cute

H: ouch

L: when do you think sleepy head will wake up?

P: uh
maybe around midnight? 1am?

H: why'd he sleep so early?

P: meds

H: ah those always suck

L: oh!!
i didn't tell you guys, Marco and Calliope got me a gender therapist!!

P: oH MY GOD!!
IM HAPPY FOR YOU LANCEY!!

H: tHEY CARE ABOUT YOU SO MUCH OH MY GOD

L: i fuckin cried
they're doing so much for me already

>>>Lance>>>

K: mornin

L: hey sleepy head

K: im not taking my meds tomorrow
fuck it
ill act like it and spit them out

L: if you need them you shouldn't skip them

K: i don't need them
shiro insists that i take them again

L: why?
there has to be a reason to it

K: i relapsed.
when lotor was at your house that night and he hit you.
i ended up freaking out and i clawed the hell out of my arms.
shiro saw the blood and told me that i have to go back on them
it's complete bullshit because they don't fucking help

L: keith,,

K: no
don't start with that pity bullshit
i fucking hate that
you don't get to pity me
your life is a 100 times more fucked than mine

L: that doesn't mean i can't still feel bad
you've hurt yourself over me

K: i hurt myself because i couldn't do anything
if i had just stayed with lotor through all his bullshit he wouldn't be there

L: you don't deserve the way lotor treats people.

K: nor do you
or Axca or Ezor
or Narti and Zethrid

L: you can't save everyone y'know
especially if you don't put your oxygen mask on first

K: ,,
goodnight lance

L: you just woke up

K: goodnight.

Keith turns his phone off and sets it on his bedside table. Rubbing his face. Sighing.

He turns over onto his stomach and buries his head into his pillow. Eventually falling back asleep. Complete darkness.

Chapter Text

Lance didn't sleep very well. He tossed and turned all night. Waking up in the morning he felt like shit. He rubs at his eyes and gets out of bed.

He lazily throws his clothes on. It was his second day taking a break from his binder and he could feel the tendrils of dysphoria wrapping his mind. He throws his jacket on over his shirt and zips it all the way up.
Sure it was hot as hell, but he didn't want to be seen.

He doesn't bother checking his phone, just simply stuffs it in his pocket before grabbing his backpack and leaving his room.

"Morning." Calliope smiles.

Lance grunts in acknowledgement. He takes a seat on the couch, yawning.

"Didn't sleep well?"

"Nope." Lance sighs.

"Marco already went to work so I'll be taking you to the Garrison today."

Lance hums and rubs at his face. Blowing air out in a long puff.

"So you ready?"

"Mhm." Lance mutters, standing up. His voice sounded too high.

When they arrive at the garrison, Lance gets out of the car and waits by the entrance for Pidge and Keith. Tapping his foot against the concrete.

"Hey." Pidge smiles.

Lance waves halfheartedly.

"You expecting someone else?" Pidge jokes.

"No, sorry. Not wearing my binder is taking its toll. Where's Keith?"

"Talking to Shiro in the car."

"Did- did he take his meds?"

"I don't think so."

The door of Shiro's car slams. Keith storming over.

"Can he stop treating me like a fucking child for 2 seconds?" Keith growls.

Lance wished he had a voice like Keith's. Sure it cracked a lot but at least it was masculine.

"Maybe if you didn't act like one." Pidge snorts

"I don't act like a child." Keith huffs.

Lance just stands there. So many thoughts going through his head. Everyone could see. See past that baggy jacket. See past his baggy jeans.

"Lance?" Keith snaps his fingers.

"Huh?" Lance blinks.

"You zoned out there."

"Uh yeah- yeah sorry." Lance gives a small smile.

"You alright?"

"Yeah yeah. Fine." Lance smiles.

Keith smiles back.

"C'mon lovebirds its time for class." Pidge snickers.

Keith chokes and hits Pidge in the back of the head.

"Ouch!" Pidge whines, slapping Keith.

Keith hits them back and it keeps going until Pidge pushes Keith.

"Get to class Kogane." Iverson grumbles.

Keith rolls his eyes.

"Why don't we go for coffee later?" Keith turns to Lance, a small smile on his lips.

"Sure." Lance gives a small smile. He didn't know if he'd even be able to handle the rest of the school day.

During his 3rd class he feels dysphoria take hold.

He raises his hand and waits for the teacher to look.

"Yes McClain?"

"M-may I go to the restroom?"

"Go ahead." his teacher smiles.

Lance quickly gets up and heads out of the room. Which bathroom would he go to? Lance chews on his bottom lip, heading to the mens bathroom.

Hopefully no one would be in there. He opens the door and listens, upon hearing nothing he walks in. Locking himself in one of the stalls.

He sits on the back of one of the toilets and tangles his fingers in his hair. Tugging harshly, taking in shaky breaths.

He lets the tears roll down his cheeks and hiccups. Lance wanted to crawl out of his skin. So he tries to claw his way out.

Shedding his jacket and shirt he starts clawing at his chest. Sobbing as he does.  He hated this feeling.

The tendrils of dysphoria wrapping tighter. It had a hold of him and it wouldn't let go. Like a rabid dog with his jaws clenched on someone's arm.

His dull nails do nothing to help. His chest heaves as he sobs. Biting his lip to try and stop it but it doesn't help.

Lance grabs for his phone. Blindly calling who he thought was Hunk.

"Lance? Aren't you in-"

"Ke-keith-" Lance sobs, his whole body shaking.

"Where are you?"

"B-ba-bathroom."

"Men's?"

"Y-yeah"

"I'll be there in a minute. Don't do anything stupid." Keith hangs up.

Lance sits there, still clawing at his chest. Sobbing, strands of hair sticking to his cheeks.

The bathroom door swings open.

"Lance?"

Lance hiccups and grabs for his jacket.

"Hey, unlock the stall."

He finds his shirt and jacket inside of the toilet.

"S-shit." he whines, crossing his arms over his chest. He reaches forward and unlocks the stall. Immediately hiding himself.

"Woah- where's your shirt?"

"Fell in the toilet." Lance mumbles, tears still rolling down his cheeks

"I'll get Pidge to bring a sweater from their locker." Keith mumbles, shooting a quick text to Pidge.

"Don't look at me." Lance mutters.

"You're still a guy no matter what, Lance."

"LOOK AT ME KEITH! I HAVE BREASTS- MEN DO NOT HAVE BREASTS! YOU CAN'T FUCKING UNDERSTAND WHAT ITS LIKE TO SEE MEN EVERYDAY AND KNOW THAT YOU'LL NEVER LOOK OR SOUND LIKE THEM WITHOUT SURGERIES OR HORMONES!" Lance shouts, voice breaking.

"That doesn't fucking matter, Lance. You're a guy no matter what. Fuck what people think about how you look."

"You don't understand, Keith." Lance whimpers.

Keith huffs and scoops Lance into his arms.

"Wha- PUT ME DOWN!" Lance squeaks.

Keith sits down and holds Lance to his chest. Playing with his hair.

"I'm not good with words or helping people but I hope that this helps." Keith mutters.

The bathroom door opens.

"Keith?" Pidge asks.

"First stall."

"Don't look." Lance calls, trying to keep himself hidden.

"Not plannin'" Pidge chuckles, throwing the sweater on Keith's head before heading out of the bathroom.

"Could you- could you get out?" Lance mutters.

"Yeah sorry." Keith lets go of Lance and leaves the stall, closing it behind him.

Lance chews on his lip and slips the sweater on. It was certainly,, snug.

"Ugh."

"What?"

"Its small." Lance mutters, opening the stall.

"Do you want my jacket to put over it?"

"Oh yes because a tiny cropped jacket will help."

"You're the tiny one. Try it." Keith huffs, handing his jacket to Lance.

Lance chews on his bottom lip and grabs the jacket. Slipping it over the sweater.

"Still too small." Lance laughs, moving to slip it off

"Keep it on. It looks good."

Lance's heart flutters in his chest. How did Keith manage to get his mind off things so fast?

Lance's cheeks flush and he keeps the jacket on.

"You mind going to get a plastic bag from the nurse?"

"Yeah. I'll be back. After do you just wanna skip the rest of classes?"

"I- uh s-sure."

"Cool." Keith chuckles, exiting the bathroom.

Lance wrings his shirt and jacket out. The cold water making his hands shake. He sets the shirt and jacket on the back of the toilet and waits for Keith.

A couple minutes later he comes back. Two bags in his hand.

"Here, she said to double bag it."

"Okay." Lance grabs them, piling the clothes in one bag before slipping the other bag over the other.

"Wash your hands." Keith snorts.

"I was going to. Shut up." Lance mutters, heading to the sinks. He washes his hands twice before he heads out of the bathroom with Keith.

"Why don't we go get that coffee, yeah?"

"Yeah." Lance smiles.

"Cool."

Chapter Text

Keith and Lance sit at the coffee shop together. Sipping their drinks.

"So,," Lance mutters.

"So."

"Uh you have any hobbies?"

"Well, I obviously clean my knives."

"Uh huh."

"You?"

"Well, taking care of Blue was really all I did."

"Oh."

"Yep."

The tension was thick. Lance bounces his leg, looking out the window at passing people.

"This is so awkward heh." Keith chuckles, scratching at the back of his neck.

"Yeah, sorry."

"It's fine. So what type of music do you listen to?"

"Oh uh its really- don't laugh at me okay?"

"I won't, scouts honor." Keith smiles.

"Psh sure you were in scouts. Uh stuff like Shakira and Beyonce."

"Pfft- I'm sorry. Shakira? Beyonce?" Keith snorts.

"You said you wouldn't laugh!" Lance whines, cheeks flushing

"Sorry 'm sorry." Keith laughs.

God that laugh had Lance's stomach filling with butterflies.

"What music do you like?"

"Oh eh, The Honeysticks, Puma Blue, Radiohead, Panic, Daniel Caesar."

"I know one of those." Lance snorts.

"Hey its good music you goof."

"Mhm."

"Ill play some for you later." Keith smiles.

"Sounds good." Lance smiles.

"This is some good ass coffee."

"Yours is literally black coffee." Lance snorts.

"Yeah? Better than that sweet shit you got."

"Hey! Don't disrespect my cafe con leche!" Lance pouts

"Awe poor baby, can't handle black coffee~"

"You're so mean." Lance whines.

"Sorry sweetheart." Keith chuckles.

Sweetheart. Lance's brain short circuits. Cheeks flushing deep red.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"N-no."

"Hey, after this do you want me to walk you home?"

"I don't even know where I live." Lance laughs.

"Ah, right. Uh do you wanna come to my place and your brother can pick you up there?"

"Y-yeah sounds good."

They sit in the cafe for around 30 more minutes before they leave. The walk was nice, but hot.

Seeing Shiro's car gone, Keith grabs his key from his pocket and unlocks the door.

"You gonna play music for me?" Lance smiles.

"If you want me to."

"Course I do."

What Lance didn't expect was for Keith to pull out a guitar and start strumming to a song. His singing voice was ethereal as well.

"What- uh what song was that?"

"Want me, Puma Blue." Keith smiles.

"I didn't know you could play guitar or sing."

"Its not something I usually tell people or do for people." Keith shrugs.

"Then why me?"

"You're just special."

"Special?"

"Yeah."

Their expressions were incredibly soft. Both of them had heart eyes.

"Yeah?"

"Mhm."

Lance chews on his bottom lip and scoots forward a bit. His knees touching Keith's.

"You- you are really pretty." Lance mutters.

"You're the one talking." Keith chuckles, leaning in.

"Shut up."

"Why don't you make me?"

Lance's cheeks flush as he leans in a bit.

Keith's bedroom door opening has them scurrying away from each other.

"Oh, did I interrupt something?" Shiro tries to hold back a laugh.

"Fuck off Shiro!" Keith shouts, cheeks bright red.

"Who's your friend?" Shiro chuckles.

"Its Lance." Keith sighs.

"Oh! Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Takashi Shirogane."

"Hi." Lance smiles, cheeks flushed.

"I'll let you two uh, get back to it." Shiro snorts, closing the door but leaving it cracked.

Keith groans and lays back, throwing a pillow over his face.
Lance snorts and sighs.

"What's so funny?" Keith peeks from the pillow.

"Nothing." Lance snickers.

"I'll show you something funny." Keith chucks his pillow.

"And what's that?"

Keith chuckles and sits up, poking his fingers into Lance's stomach.

Lance erupts into laughter and kicks his legs.

"StOP!" Lance squeals, squirming around.

"Tell me what was funny and I will." Keith snorts.

"You! You're funny!" Lance shrieks.

"Stop lying." Keith laughs, stabbing his fingers into Lance's sides and hips.

"KeEEEITH!" Lance laughs harder.

"Hmm?"

"Please stop." Lance whines.

"Oh okay." Keith snorts, sitting back.

"You're mean." Lance pouts.

"Awe don't be like that."

"Fuck you." he huffs.

Keith laughs and sighs.

"I should call Marco."

"Alright." Keith huffs.

Lance grabs his phone and calls Marco. Waiting for him to answer.

"Where the hell are you?!"

"Lo siento, I'm at Keith's. Dysphoria got bad so I called him and he left with me."

"Where's Keith's?"

Lance looks to Keith.

"What's your address?"

"Lion's Den apartments, apartment 2A."

Lance repeats it to Marco and hangs up.

"So he coming to get you?"

"Yeah." Lance sighs.

"Aw I'm sorry, I wish I could hang out with you some more."

"Maybe tomorrow?" Lance tilts his head.

"Yeah, sounds good."

They both sit up, crossing their legs.

"Could you play another song?"

"Sure." Keith smiles, grabbing his guitar.

"Hold me close and hold me fast

This magic spell you cast

This is la vie en rose
When you kiss me, heaven sighs
And though I close my eyes

I see la vie en rose
When you press me to your heart
I am in a world apart

A world where roses bloom
And when you speak, angels sing from above

Everyday words seem to turn into love songs
Give your heart and soul to me
And life will always be
La vie en rose"

Lance's heart melts at Keith's voice. Smooth and soft. Cracking on some notes.

"That was- Keith that was beautiful."

"That's something you have in common with it." Keith gives a lopsided smile.

Lance's cheeks light up like a Christmas tree. Bright red. He bites his bottom lip and fiddles with his fingers.

Keith's eyes flicker down to Lance's lips. He pushes his bangs out of his eyes and brushes them behind his ear.

Lance scoots forward a bit, knees touching to Keith's. His eyes hooded. He was definitely nervous, but he wanted this.

Keith sits there, looking from Lance's eyes to his lips.

Lance leans in, tilting his head to the side. Eyes flitting shut as he presses his lips to Keith's.

Keith's eyes widen before they shut, kissing back. Lance pulls away, slapping his hand over his mouth.

"Oh God- I'm sorry! I-I just-"

Keith moves Lance's hand, smiling.

"Its fine." Keith chuckles, leaning in. Waiting for Lance to meet him.

Lance cups Keith's face and kisses him. His lips were chapped but slightly soft. Tasted like the coffee they had earlier. He tangles his fingers into Keith's hair and whines when his phone rings.

Keith chuckles against Lance's lips and pulls away.

"You better answer that." Keith smiles.

"Yeah- yeah just- one more?"

Keith chuckles and presses his lips back to Lance's, hands resting on Lance's hips. He pulls away again.

Lance pouts and grabs his phone, answering it.

"I'm outside the apartment building."

"Ugh, okay. Be there in a minute." Lance quickly ends the call.

"So does this mean you,, like me too?" Keith whispers, hiding it from the world.

Lance nods.

"Yeah- yeah. Uhm, I-I gotta go."

"Alright, call me later, sweetheart." Keith drawls.

Lance's cheeks flush.

"Alright, babe."

Keith's cheeks flush too, he turns away. Hiding as much as his face as he can.

"Want me to walk you out so you don't have to deal with Shiro?"

"Sure."

Keith stands up and takes Lance's hand. Pressing a soft kiss to his cheek before he walks out of the room with Lance.

"Hey dorks you use protection?"

"We didn't-! Shiro!" Keith groans, cheeks flaming.

"I'm just joshing you. See you later Lance." Shiro smiles.

"Yeah, see ya." Lance smiles.

They head out of the apartment building.

"One more?" Keith asks.

"Please." Lance whispers, standing on his tip toes. Reaching to Keith's lips.

Keith smiles and pulls Lance in, hands resting on his lower back.
Lance hums and cups Keith's face.

Marco honks. Lance pulls away, pouting.

"Call me." Keith smiles

"I will." Lance smiles, heading to Marco's car. He opens the door and sits in the passenger seat.

"Sooo when did that happen?"

"Shut up!" Lance squeaks, hitting Marco.

"Aw hermano I'm just teasing. You feel better?"

"Yeah. A lot better." Lance smiles, dopey and soft.

Chapter Text

Lance had started testosterone in the next month. Lance and Keith had established their relationship and Hunk was thinking about visiting.

Keith and Lance were cuddling on Lance's bed. Drifting in and out of sleep. Keith pressing soft kisses to the nape of Lance's neck.

"Keeith." Lance whines.

"Hmm?"

"That tickles!"

"Oh does it?" Keith chuckles, the sound reverberating in his chest.

"Yeah!" Lance laughs.

Keith presses butterfly kisses from the base of Lance's neck to right under his hairline.

Lance's breath hitches and he pulls his bottom lip between his teeth.

"You okay?" Keith mutters against his neck.

Lance nods, not trusting himself to speak.

"We don't have to do anything y'know." Keith mutters.

"I know."

"Do- do you want to?"

"K-kinda? I dunno."

"Well we can try? And if you don't feel comfortable enough then we don't have to go any further."

Lance nods, turning around so he can face Keith.

"You're so damn handsome, you know that?" Keith smiles.

"Oh shut up." Lance snorts.

"Make- mmph!"

Lance presses his lips to Keith's, hands tangling into his hair.
Keith groans and kisses back, hauling Lance over his lap. Lance was doing a lot better with physical contact ever since he and Keith started dating.

Lance pulls away, eyes half lidded.

"Fuck- Lance you're so-"

"Shut up." Lance laughs breathlessly.

"Nuh-uh not til I tell you how incredibly attractive you are. Damn, how'd I end up with a guy like you?" Keith chuckles.

"I should be asking that." Lance huffs.

Keith rolls his eyes, reaching up to kiss Lance.

"What's the magic word?"

"Please." Keith breathes, eyes hooded.

Lance smiles and kisses Keith, rocking his hips slightly. Keith gasps and groans, hands gripping Lance's hips.

Lance pulls away again, smirking.

"That your knife in your pocket or you just happy to see me?" Lance teases.

"Shut up." Keith whines.

"I'm just joking Keith." Lance smiles.

Keith huffs and pushes Lance off.

"Babe? Are you mad?"

"What? No. Lance I'm not mad you dummy." Keith laughs

"Oh."

"I dont wanna force you if you aren't ready."

"You aren't forcing me, Keith." Lance huffs.

"You could just be saying that."

"But I'm not! I'm comfortable to do these things with you because I know you won't hurt me." Lance smiles.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Keith. Ill tell you if I feel uncomfortable."

"Thank you." Keith breathes.

"Now~ where were we?"

Keith chuckles and presses his lips to Lance's jaw. Trails kisses down Lance's neck.

"Keith." Lance whispers.

"Hmm?" Keith hums against Lance's neck.

"Nothing- don't stop." Lance mutters.

Keith chuckles and nips at Lance's neck. Lance whines, lip drawn between his teeth.

Someone opens the door and Lance doesn't notice. Keening into the touch, soft gasps falling from his lips.

"Oh dear- I'm sorry." Calliope hides her eyes.

Lance's eyes widen, hitting Keith.

"Its okay! What do you need?"

"Just wanted to know if you two were hungry."

"We're good, thank you."

"Yep." the door creaks shut.

Keith laughs against Lance's neck.

"Its not funny." Lance pouts.

"Kinda is."

"Oh fuck you." Lance huffs, shoving Keith off.

"Awe don't be like that, sweetheart." Keith drawls, nuzzling in against Lance's neck.

"No- Keith, stop."

Keith pulls away.

"Are you okay? I didn't hurt you did I?"

"I'm fine, we just got caught you ass."

"If you would've locked the door it wouldn't happen, love."

That nickname makes his blood turn cold. Lance pushes away from Keith and curls in on himself.

"Lance?" Keith mutters, placing a hand on Lance's back.

Lance flinches and scoots to the edge of the bed.

"Lance- I'm sorry. I didn't- I didn't mean to upset you."

Lance sobs and pulls at his hair.

"Lance- Lance, its just me. Fuck. Lance, please. I'm sorry." Keith pulls Lance into his arms. He hums and plays with Lance's hair.

Lance's eyes widen, tears falling down his cheeks.

"K-keith- I'm sorry-" Lance hiccups

"Don't you apologize!" Keith sobs, clutching Lance.

"You- you're crying?"

"Hell yeah I'm crying! I'm no better than Lotor with that shit!" Keith sniffles.

"Don't even fucking say that." Lance huffs, wiping at his own tears. He kisses away Keith's tears.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Keith mumbles, fingers running through Lance's hair.

"I might be better if you sing for me." Lance smiles.

Keith groans and smiles.

"Fine." he snorts and complies. Singing quietly to Lance.

"You are wonderful. I don't deserve you." Lance mutters, yawning.

"I should get home."

"Stay?"

"Alright." Keith hums, the two of them laying down.

"You should tell Shiro so he doesn't get worried." Lance mumbles, curling up to Keith.

"I will." Keith smiles, pressing a kiss to Lance's hair.

They both end up falling asleep, Keith forgetting to call Shiro. They wake up in the morning, Keith's phone had at least 100 missed calls.

"Shit." Keith hisses, calling Shiro back.

"WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?!"

"Lance's, I was gonna-"

"Keith I don't care what the hell you were gonna do. I thought you were dead! Or kidnapped!"

"We know I can-"

"SHUT UP KEITH. I'm picking you up right now. You're fucking grounded. No phone, no computer. To school and back."

"Shiro!"

"No, shut it." Shiro hangs up.

Keith groans, shoving his face in the crook of Lance's neck.

"What'd he say?"

"I'm grounded." Keith mumbles.

"What?!"

"No laptop no phone. Just school and back."

"I'm sorry." Lance mutters.

"Not your fault."

"I asked you to stay."

"And I could've left, but I didn't."

"Hmph."

"What?"

Lance pouts and crosses his arms.

"What, Lance?"

"Make it up to me when you get ungrounded."

"I will." Keith smiles, kisses Lance's jaw.

"Mm really?"

"Mhm, I'll take you out for coffee and serenade you and buy you roses- ow!"

"Shut up you nerd. We both know you won't do that."

"I might." Keith chuckles, kissing down Lance's neck, nipping at it.

Lance gasps and pinches Keith.

"Stop pinching me!" Keith whines.

"Don't bite me!" Lance huffs.

"Seemed to like it last night." Keith chuckles.

"Oh shut up! Calliope probably told Marco and now we'll have to keep my door open."

"I didn't hear denial?"

"S-shut up Keith!" Lance whines, cheeks flushed.

"I'm right here why don't you make me?"

"Because you sir are getting a call from your brother." Lance smiles.

"Shit." Keith picks his phone up and answers.

"I'm outside. We'll talk about how long this will last when we get home."

"Yeah." Keith grumbles, hanging up.

"Now can I have a- mmph!" Lance is interrupted when Keith kisses him. Pulling away a minute later.

"That what you wanted?"

Lance hadn't noticed but Keith's voice was sorta gruff and groggy in the morning. It sent chills down his spine.

"Y-yeah." He squeaks.

"Cool. Wanna walk me out? Or do I get to awkwardly walk past your brother?"

"He's at work. Now, Calliope on the other hand I dunno where she is."

"Come on I wanna spend more time with you."

"Mm fine." Lance sighs, getting out of the bed. He yawns and stretches, arms above his head. His shirt riding up.

Keith stands up too, slipping his shoes on.

"I can't believe you slept in those."

"In my jeans?"

"In your gloves."

"They're my skin fuck you." Keith laughs, picking Lance up. He jabs his fingers into his sides.

Lance laughs, kicking at Keith.

"Put me down!" Lance squeals.

"Nope! You're coming with me." Keith laughs, taking Lance out of the room.

"If I give you a kiss will you put me down?"

"Mm maybe."

Lance huffs, pressing his lips to Keith's. Their lips slotting together like two puzzle pieces. Soft and gentle.

Someone clears their throat. Lance pulls away and Keith lets Lance drop from his hold.

"Keith, I believe you were leaving?" Marco sighs, arms crossed over his chest.

"Oh- uh yeah yeah. Bye Lance. Bye Marco." 

"Bye." Lance smiles, pressing a small kiss to Keith's cheek.

Keith takes his leave and heads out.

"We need to talk." Marco sits Lance on the couch.

"Look I know what its about we didn't go any further than that."

"Zip it. Are you even comfortable with it? Are you ready for those types of things? Do you understand the risk? You've still got all the reproduction parts, you can't rush into things like that without protection or anything, hermano. You've got to be prepared. Is he forcing you into these things?"

"He's not forcing me! We are two consenting teens that know what risks there are! We aren't having sex! Not while I look like this! I can't even stand to look at my own body let alone someone else!" Lance huffs.

"I know, but you're at that age where everyone is doing it. Believe me, I was in your situation. In a relationship, your age. My boyfriend and I had a scare."

"Wait- you dated a guy? And a trans guy at that?"

"Yes, Lance. Jeez your gaydar broken?" Marco laughs.

"Oh shut up." Lance snorts.

"What do you want for breakfast?"

"Cafe con leche and toast?"

"Right up. Calliope had to take her cat to the vet."

"Awe, why?"

"Its sick."

"Oh no."

"So if she comes back without it, don't say anything. I'll handle her." Marco smiles.

"Alright."

"You just sit here and watch tv, okay?"

"Okay."

Chapter Text

Keith got grounded for 2 weeks. He couldn't do anything. Complete boredom.

"Shiro."

"Keith for the last time, no. Stop asking."

"I can't even have Pidge over?"

"No."

"Wow a couple missed fucking call and I get 2 weeks in the house. 2 weeks of not talking to my friends or my fucking boyfriend outside of school. Way to help someone's mental health asshole." Keith seethes, rushing to his room.

The two weeks pass agonisingly slow. Keith going to school drained. Soft kisses in the hallways when he and Lance can. Hushed conversations in the cafeteria.

"Shiro overreacted." Pidge sighs.

"He always does, Pidge!" Keith groans.

"Yeah, I know. Matt is still upset."

"What? Why?"

"Shiro broke up with him and Allura."

"Holy shit, why?"

"Because he apparently thinks Matt and Allura are too immature for him."

"That's bull! He loved them through and through!"

"Yeah. So where's Lance?"

"He's at therapy."

"So a month and a week?"

"Yep."

"Bet you can't wait til his voice gets all nice and his jaw line gets more defined." Pidge teases.

"Oh shut up." Keith huffs, cheeks flushed.

"Awe Keithy loves his boyfriend~" Pidge coos.

"Pidge I'm gonna beat your ass."

"Oooh I'm so scared." Pidge snorts.

"Should be."

The end of the school day Keith goes back home. Immediately going to his room. Laying down in his bed. Not touching his homework.

Three knocks on his bedroom door before it opens. Shiro standing there, leaning against the doorframe

"You here to extend my punishment?"

"No, I'm here to tell you that its up. You had a point about keeping you locked in here. Its not good for you."

"Really?"

"Yes, Keith. Here's your phone and laptop back." Shiro sighs, stepping in the room. He sets Keith's things on the dresser.

Keith stands up and grabs his phone, sitting back down

>>>Lance>>>

K: you out of therapy?

L: KEITH!!
hi! yes i'm out!!

K: meet me at the cafe
see you there sharpshooter

L: be there in 10 <3

Keith smiles and grabs his wallet.

"I'm going to the cafe. Ill call you when I'm on my way back."

"Call me if you stay the night at Lance's again."

"Will do." Keith smiles, pushing past Shiro. He rushes out of the apartment building.

Literally running to the cafe. He waits outside of it, panting. Why the hell did he run?

He hears a familiar laugh from beside him. His eyes flitting over to the sound.

"Lance!" Keith smiles, throwing his arms around him.

"Hey!" Lance laughs, a big smile on his face.

"I missed you." Keith huffs.

"I missed you too, now can you stop hugging me so we can get coffee?"

Keith huffs and reluctantly pulls away.

"You just wanna get coffee to go and then come to my place?" Lance smiles.

"Oh- uh sure. I'll text Shiro so he doesn't freak out." Keith smiles, shooting a quick text to Shiro.

They go in and get their coffee and a few pastries before they head to Lance's.

"So, how was it?" Keith asks, hand intertwined with Lance's.

"Therapy? It was good. We talked about my dysphoria and just hung out I guess?"

"So your therapist is nice?"

"Yeah, she's really chill."

"Well that's good."

"Mhm, Calliope and Marco went out for a fancy dinner with their friends from school."

"Am I even allowed over there without an adult there. Y'know after last time?"

"Course you are. Marco trusts us. I didn't know that he was pan, it was kinda shocking. He and an ex boyfriend had a pregnancy scare once and that's why he was so worried with us doing that. Well and the whole L- I can't even say his fucking name, that whole thing. He wanted to make sure you weren't forcing me."

"That must've been a awkward conversation."

"Yeah." Lance chuckles.

"It's so nice to be able to hang out with you." Keith mutters.

"Yeah when we get to my place it'll be nice. Its way too hot out here."

"Just a bit longer." Keith smiles.

When they get to Lance's apartment they head into Lance's room.

"Where's the cat?"

"Calliope had to get her put down. She was getting real sick."

"Awe. I was attached to that cat."

"From the few times you've come over?" Lance chuckles.

"Oh shut up." Keith huffs and lays on Lance's bed. His coffee had been sat on the dresser. He closes his eyes and sighs.

Lance sets his coffee and the bag of pastries on the dresser. He sits on Keith's thighs and smiles.

"Comfy?" Keith smiles.

"Mhm."

"How long you had your binder on?"

"I didn't wear it to my appointment, just put it on before I came to see you."

"That's good cause if you would've put it on this mornin' you'd be over 8 hours."

"I know, I'm not stupid."

"I know you aren't." Keith cracks his eyes open, hands crossed under his head like a makeshift pillow.

"Do I get a kiss?" Lance tilts his head.

"I dunno, do you deserve one?"

"I think I do." Lance huffs, leaning down.

Keith chuckles and meets him halfway. Moving his hands from under his head, cupping Lance's face.

Lips melding together, Lance's hands resting on Keith's shoulders.

"Keith- Keith I love you." Lance whispers against Keith's lips.

"I-I- I love you too, Lance." Keith smiles. He wasn't good with these types of things, but he knew what he felt for Lance was stronger than a simple liking. He was certain he loved Lance despite having nothing to base the feeling off of.

It was sort of what he felt with Lotor, but stronger. A sense of need. A sense of wanting to protect Lance. A sense of worry for him.

Keith never knew exactly what love was. He didn't understand it. He's loved before, brotherly love for Shiro. Motherly love with one of his foster mothers. Slight romantic love with Lotor.

Lance kisses down Keith's jaw. Shy and soft, barely there kisses down his neck. Keith's breath hitching.

"Lance?"

"Yeah?"

"Nothing- keep going." Keith mutters, cheeks flushed.

"You sure?"

"If you are, yes."

Lance smiles and pulls away, hands tugging at the bottom of Keith's shirt.

"Go ahead." Keith smiles.

Lance pulls Keith's shirt up, throwing it to the side. He scoots down, presses kisses down Keith's chest.

"Lance-"

"What babe?"

"Are- are you sure?"

"Sure about what?"

"What you're doing."

"Yes, Keith." Lance huffs, hands resting on the button of Keith's jeans.

"Don't force yourse-"

"I'm not forcing myself! Keith, last time you were here you went to sleep uncomfortable in your jeans because of me. I'm not letting you go home like that too. Unless you don't want me."

"I want you Lance, I do. Just- I don't want you forcing yourself. I want you to do this in your own time. We never have to even go past hugging if you don't want to. I know we've already kissed and what not, but I don't want you forcing yourself to do these things. I care about you and I don't ever want to make you feel uncomfortable."

"I'm comfortable, Keith. I'd tell you if I weren't. I love you and I want to do this for you."

"Then be my guest." Keith smiles.

Lance smiles and unbuttons Keith's jeans, pulling them down. Keith lifts his ass up to help Lance pull them down.

"If it totally sucks don't hate me."

"I could never hate you, even if you do give me a sloppy blow job."

Lance laughs and pulls Keith's boxers off.

"And let the fun begin." Lance snorts.

Chapter Text

Marco and Calliope came home soon after that. Keith and Lance curled up to each other and watching a movie on Netflix.

"Why were you so nervous." Keith snorts.

"Which time? When I was sucking your dick or the time my brother nearly walked in while you were tucking yourself back into your pants? Hmm or maybe the time I had cum on my face and couldn't fucking get it off." Lance huffs, crossing his arms.

"Don't be like that." Keith mutters, kissing the nape of Lance's neck.

"Be like what?"

"All pouty and grumpy." Keith smiles.

"Im not." Lance mumbles.

"If I looked at your face right now, you wouldn't be pouting?"

",,,no."

Keith rolls his eyes and chuckles. He leans over Lance and smiles.

"Hi."

Lance's pout doesn't last long, a small smile forming.

"Hi."

"Mind if I steal a kiss?"

"Don't mind at all."

"Cool." Keith presses his lips to Lance's. It was an awkward angle, Keith's neck beginning to hurt. He pulls away and huffs.

"Awe what's wrong?"

"That angle is weird, hurts my neck."

"Then why don't I just roll over?"

"I dunno why don't you?" Keith snorts.

"Rude." Lance huffs and rolls over, pressing a kiss to Keith's jaw.

"Wh- hold on, Shiro is probably calling." Keith sighs, grabbing his phone.

"Make sure you come home before dark."

"That's in like,, 30 minutes."

"Guess you better get walking."

Keith gawks at the ended call screen.

>>> Shiro >>>

S: just kidding
but seriously ill be there in an hour

K: you're an ass

"What'd he say?"

"Tried to tell me to start walking now."

"What the fuck?"

"He'll be here in an hour though."

"What should we do for an hour? We already finished Cars 3."

"Watch another movie?"

"Coraline?"

"Hell yes." Keith smiles.

Lance ends up falling asleep halfway through. Arms wrapped tight around Keith, face shoved into his chest.

"Lance, hey. You gotta wake up." Keith shakes him.

"No." Lance grumbles.

"You still have your binder on, Lance. Cmon get up." Lance groans and sits up, shucking his shirt and binder off without thinking.

"Lance!"

"What?" Lance whines.

"You cant- you can't just take your shirt off in front of me!"

"Why not?"

Keith huffs and closes his eyes.

"Cause I have breasts? Big whoop I'm still a guy, now stop being a pussy and let me sleep."

Lance was grumpy, he flops back down and pulls the blanket over his body. Keith's phone buzzes.

>>> Shiro >>>

S: im outside

K: give me a minute
lance fell asleep on me

S: cute

"Lance, Shiro's here. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Okay mamà te amo."

Lance was talking in his sleep.

Keith snorts and presses a kiss to Lance's forehead. Slipping out of the bed, he puts his shoes on.

"Bye Keith." Marco smiles.

"Bye." Keith waves, exiting the apartment.

He clambers into Shiro's car and slams the door.

"So how was your day?"

"Wonderful." Keith smiles.

"Sarcasm or was it actually amazing?"

"It was. Any day with Lance is perfect."

"Awee."

"Shut up."

"You're so mean to your big brother." Shiro huffs.

"Maybe if you weren't an ass that wouldn't happen."

"I'm offended." Shiro gasps, throwing his hands to his heart.

"PUT YOUR FUCKING HANDS ON THE WHEEL 10 AND 2 10 AND 2."

"Oh stop being such a pussy, Keith we aren't gonna- woAH." Shiro swerves to the side just to freak Keith out.

"I swEAR TO GOD IM GONNA KILL YOU!" Keith screams.

"OOOH sO SCARY A LITTLE TWINK WITH A MALARIA KNIFE." Shiro shouts, laughing.

Keith grabs his knife and put it up to Shiro's neck.

"I'll kill you right here."

"OWO KEITH WHATS THIS?"

"NO NO NO."

"Does the wittle kitty twink have a knwife?"

"Oh MY GOD THIS HOUSE IS A HELL HOLE!"

"But keef thwis is a caww!"

"IM GONNA JUMP!"

"Keith don't you fucking think about it."

"Sorry I don't speak that."

"Keith if you I'm gonna let you jump outta this car then you're darn tootin' wrong." Shiro says in the most country accent he can muster.

"Good. I speak yeehaw. You have won me over." Keith slips his knife back into his fucking fanny pack and takes his hand off the door handle.

Shiro snorts and rolls his eyes.
They get home safely despite Shiro's antics to kill them. Keith immediately texts Pidge to come over which results in his door being kicked in

"YOU GOT UNGROUNDED AND WENT OVER TO LANCE'S AND DIDN'T TELL ME??"

",,yes??"

"YOURE SUCH A DICK MUNCH!"

"Actually that's Lance." Keith snorts.

"Wait- wHAT??"

"I've said too much, good night."

"KEITH DID LANCE SUCK YOUR DICK??"

"NO."

"Who's sucking Keith's dick?" Shiro asks from the doorway.

"NO ONE" Keith screeches, cheeks flushed.

"OoH KEITH'S LYING!" Pidge laughs.

"SHUT UP MY GOD!" Keith huffs.

"I'M GONNA TELL HUNK YOU GOT YOUR DICK SUCKED!"

"I DIDNT GET MY FUCKING DICK SUCKED SHUT THE HELL UP YOU FUCKING GREMLIN. BREATHE A WORD OF ANY OF THIS TO ANYONE AND ILL SPLICE YOUR TENDONS." Keith growls, shoving Pidge out of his room.

He slams his door and locks it, collapsing onto his bed.

Lance wakes up panting, skin soaked in sweat. Tears streaming down his cheeks. Throat raw like he swallowed a pack of razor blades.

Scratching at his shoulders he realizes his shirt and binder are off. His eyes widen, when did he take them off? He throws the blankets off, signing in relief when he sees his jeans.

>>>Keith>>>

L: when did my binder come off?

K: i uh i woke you up
and told you that you needed to take it off
so you did,,
right in front of me
i didn't look or anything if you're worried about that.

L: no its fine
so,,
earlier, was it actually good?

K: yes
lance you're the first
i didn't even do those things with lotor
no matter how hard he tried to get me to
i saved myself for someone special
guess i finally found that person

L: you cheesy motherfucker
i knew you were secretly a closeted hopeless romantic

K: awe you caught me babe

L: knew it from the beginning red

K: damn
you got a super sniffer
for hopeless romantics huh?

L: damn right,,
after i put a shirt on do you wanna call?

K: course babe

L: cool

Lance grabs an oversized t-shirt and slips it on over his head before starting a call with Keith.

"Hey Lance, you hungry?" Calliope asks from outside the door.

"Uh, yeah. Anything is fine."

"Okay, Marco and I are gonna go get something from McDonalds because we're exhausted and don't wanna cook."

"Fine by me. Marco knows what I like."

"Alright."

"Hey."

"Hi." Lance smiles.

"How'd I get stuck with someone so unbelievably adorable?" Keith smiles.

"Dunno Red." Lance chuckles.

"Narcissist."

"If you looked like me you'd be a narcissist too."

"Mhm sure sweetheart."

"Whatever." Lance snorts, rolling his eyes.

"I miss you already."

"You'll see me tomorrow. It's Saturday,, coffee? I'll pay."

"Yeah, sounds good, but you're not paying."

"I'll do whatever I want, fuck you."

"Heh, that an invitation?"

Lance chokes and his eyes widen. Hands beginning to shake.

"Don't- don't ever say that again- please." Lance whimpers.

"Shit,, I'm sorry Lance."

"Its fine you didn't know. You didn't know it's okay."

"Still can be sorry." Keith yawns, shoving his face into his pillow.

"Sleep babe, I don't wanna keep you up."

"No no its fine. I like talking to you." Keith mutters.

"Sweet."

"You're sweet. Taste like sugar and honey. Like those sugar scrub things for your lips. You use those?"

"I used to."

" Nm well you taste like 'em."

"Oh really?"

" Mhm and you smell good. Can't wait til your start to grow stubble so I can scrunch your cheeks and feel the stubbly feel."

Lance snorts and smiles.

"You should sleep."

"No! I wanna- mmm I wanna stay up with you."

"You're tired though, we'll both sleep. Cmon."

"Sing to me."

"Keith- I can't sing."

"Course you can cmon."

"Fine."

"There's no thoughts on my mind
9 P.M. Eastern Standard Time
Watch the curtains, hear the wind moan
Keep on looking at the telephone
Choking, hoping that you called
Cause it's too quiet in my home

It's time to get home
I've been looking for your hand to hold
You know everything I know
You know everything I know
We both are Florida born
I don't know if it's just chemicals
But the water never left my soul
I still hear it when I'm all alone
I'm alone

I am your moon, you are my sun
I am your ocean crashed down with love

Don't know if it's chemicals
But your voice it doesn't leave my bones
Highly incompatible, I know that for sure
I'm just looking for your hands to hold
Cause this room it's grown too cold

This room's too cold when I'm alone
I miss our home, it's too quiet in my skull
When I'm alone it's too quiet in my skull
Cause I am your ocean
I am your ocean
I am your ocean
I am your ocean
I am your ocean
I am your ocean
I am your ocean
I am your ocean
I am your ocean
I am your ocean
Cause I am your ocean
I am your ocean
I am yours..."

Lance's voice was soft and quiet. Full of emotion, lulling Keith to sleep.

"Buenas noches te amo, mi amor." Lance whispers.

Chapter Text

Lance felt like shit when he woke up. Freezing, stomach turning, head throbbing. He rushes out of bed and to the bathroom, sliding down onto his knees. He lets the bile rush from his throat and into the toilet, coughing and retching.

"Lance? Sweetie, you okay?" Calliope asks from the hallway.

Lance responds with emptying his stomach. Heaving and panting. Skin pale and sweaty.

"Cal' can you get pregnant from sucking dick?" Lance asks, face miserable.

Calliope laughs, slapping her hand over her mouth. Laughing harder.

"Pfft- no sweetie. You can't get pregnant from that."

Lance sighs in relief before bile rushes up his throat again. Spilling into the toilet. He groans and pants.

"I was s'posed to go get coffee with Keith." Lance whines, slapping his hand down on the flush handle. He cups his face and stands up on shaky legs.

He quickly washes his hands and wait for Calliope to move so he can exit the bathroom.

"Well, you're sick and can't. So go ahead and-" and knock interrupts her. She clicks her tongue and heads to the front door, opening it.

"Is Lance here?"

"Course he is, he's sick though."

"That's fine, I can take care of him if you'd like?"

"Well, I don't wanna be responsible for you getting sick too sweetheart." Calliope mutters, she hums and thinks.

"I'll be fine, I can take care of myself. Really, just let me do this for him."

"Oh alright, just no swappin' spit, okay?"

"Yes ma'am." Keith smiles.

"Oh and Keith?" Calliope leans in.

"Huh?"

"Keep your dick in your pants." she whispers, low and threatening.

Keith squeaks, cheeks flushing.

"Y-Yes ma'am."

"Good. Now, I'm gonna go get some medicine and some sprite, y'all just sit tight."

"Hehe you have a country accent." Lance snickers.

"Hush, go lay down." Calliope tuts, grabbing her keys.

Keith presses a kiss to Lance's head and takes him to his room.

"Stronk boye." Lance smiles.

Lance was a weird type of sick person. He would feel horrible and his fevers would have him borderline delirious. He'd say anything that came to mind.

Keith snorts and crawls into bed with Lance. Wrapping the blanket around the both of them.

"You've- mm you've got a nice chest. It's nice and hard and I can feel your heartbeat. Its a nice- nice one." Lance mumbles, yawning.

"Mkay babe." Keith smiles, playing with Lance's sweaty hair.

"You think Hunk is actually coming to visit?"

"He said he would in the fall, that's a bit away."

"Keith- Keith, I thought- I thought I was pregnant." Lance snorts.

"What?"

"I thought I got pregnant from- pfft from sucking your dick." Lance laughs.

"You're so stupid." Keith laughs.

"Buenas noches mi amor. Mn te amo." Lance mumbles, curled right up to Keith's chest. He basically passes out.

Keith squints, what in the hell did that mean? Maybe Calliope or Marco could help. Well, Marco wasn't there. Nor was Calliope, but she'd be back.

So until then Keith was stuck, wracking his brain. Until it hit him, just ask Pidge or Hunk. So he pulls his phone out and pulls up Pidge's contact.

>>>Pidge>>>

K: translate something for me

P: why

K: lance said something in Spanish before he passed out on me

P: uh,, okay
send it?

K: buenas noches mi amor te amo?

P: ...
...
...
oh my god

K: what?
is it something bad?
oh my god he's dying isn't he?
piDGE WHAT DOES IT MEAN??

P: goodnight my love. i love you.

K: oh my god.
HES SO CUTE????
ew nvm he's fuckin drooling on my chest

Keith's cheeks were flushed, Lance really did love him. Keith smiles, he thinks he loves him too. A lot.

Lance made Keith's heart race, at first he declared it hate. Only because he didn't want to admit the truth. Now that he had Lance, he could just scream it from the rooftops. He could imagine it

"IM KEITH GERALD KOGANE AND I LOVE LANCE CHARLES MCCLAIN. HE IS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE AND I WANT TO PROTECT HIM FROM EVERYTHING BAD."

Lance was beautiful to Keith. Lance was the sun setting over the water. Lance was a hazy sunrise. Lance was the rain.

All these things being something Keith finds beautiful. Lance surpassed all of them. His eyes bright like stars, smile like the sun, skin smackled with freckles, soft hair, amazing lips.

Keith knew Lance would look even better with Testosterone. He knew Lance would feel better as well. He knew that Lance would start to feel more comfortable with himself and that made him happy.

All he wanted for Lance was for him to be happy. Happy with himself for starters. He wanted to see Lance smile wide with scars where his breasts once were, shirtless on the beach. Shooting finger guns and showing off his 'muscles'

He wanted to see Lance happy in his own skin. All he needed to do was stick around unlike his parents and that would all come true. He wanted to see Lance grow as a person and turn into the person he always has been.

Be the person trapped underneath all the insecurities and 'flaws'. To be the person trapped underneath all that female anatomy. Lance was a male, through and through.

Anyone who didn't think that, would definitely answer to Keith. Or Lance because he can defend himself. Lance was the love of Keith's life.

He didn't know how to handle it all. He couldn't handle losing Lance if it came to it. His heart begins to ache just thinking about it. Leaving. He never liked that word.

What if they didn't come back? What if they decided to abandon him in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart. He was beyond terrified thinking about someone else leaving him.

Keith had a lot of trust issues due to his family. Sure, his father died, but his mom just up and left. Her brother Kolivan being the only ties possible.

Keith would find her one day. He was determined to. Determined to know his mother and find out exactly why she left him and his father to fend for themselves in the desert.

But for now, he'd focus on the present. Focus on the soft snoring coming from his boyfriend. Focus on the drool wetting his shirt. Focus on the arms wrapped around his waist. Focus on the head tucked right under his chin.

He'd focus on what mattered most. Lance. The only person besides Pidge and Shiro who have stuck by him and showed that he cared.

Chapter Text

Lance's second month on testosterone. His voice had deepened a bit, he had started to grow a bit of facial hair, and his eyebrows darkened. Stomach hair got thicker and his jaw line got a bit sharper.

He got a bit more confident with himself, but not much. No changes in his sex drive.

Lance gets out of bed, it felt like there were two weights on his chest. Just dangling. He rubs at his face and sighs.

"Keith is in the living room." Marco mutters.

"Why?"

"Wanted to see you." Marco shrugs.

"Tell him to give me a minute, I need to change and do my shot." Lance mumbles.

"Alright." Marco closes the door behind him.

What time was it? Lance looks at his phone, 1pm. He blinks and gawks at the time. Shaking his head, he stands up and strips from his shirt and boxers.

He grabs his binder and a new pair of boxers and slips into them. Too lazy to actually put on a shirt or pants, he walks out of his room and across the hall to the bathroom.

He opens the medicine cabinet, pulling a packaged needle and a container of testosterone out. He closes the cabinet and heads back to his room, scratching the back of his neck.

He nearly drops his things when he sees Keith sitting on his bed.

"I told Marco to tell you to wait."

"Im sorry, I just miss you."

"Keith, mi amor, you saw me yesterday at school."

"Yeah but I miss you." Keith pouts.

Lance sighs and sits on the bed, taking the needle from its packaging. He stabs it into the bottle and pulls the needles plunger. Filling it to his dosage.

"What's that?"

"Testosterone." Lance mumbles, putting the bottle to the side. He pushes the needle into his thigh, not reacting to it. He pushes the plunger down and then pulls the needle out.

"How did you not freak out?!" Keith gasps

"Cause it doesn't hurt."

"You are a liar."

"Yeah and you're a pussy."

"Yeesh why are you so moody."

"Possibly because I'm bleeding?? I mean that's one reason. The other being you won't get the fuck out of my ass all day ever day. Is there ever any privacy I can get? Like Jesus fucking Christ." Lance growls, grabbing the needle and its packing, he throws it in a tin.

"I-I'm sorry. I'll- I'll go." Keith mutters, standing up.

"Cool." Lance huffs, laying on his bed.

Keith sighs and exits the room, leaving the apartment.
When he gets home he heads to Pidge's.

"Pidge, am I a bad boyfriend?"

"Uh,, no?"

"Lance yelled at me because I apparently won't leave him alone."

"Well, you are with him all the time." Pidge shrugs.

"Should- should I give him space?"

"I-i yeah? I don't know, Keith. I've never been in a relationship nor will I ever be in one. Why ask the ace person?"

"I don't know." Keith groans.

"Its cause I'm the only sane one isn't it?"

"Possibly? Are you even sane, you're always borderline sleep deprived."

"Nah, I'm fine man. 3 hours of sleep is good for me."

"3 hours of sleep is horrible."

"And that's why there's espressos with monster and 5 hour energy."

"You're gonna have a heart attack at 17."

"That's my goal, Kogane. That's my goal." Pidge laughs.

"Well, I think I'm gonna go home and brood."

"Okay, come back if you need anything. I'm working on making a new leg for a kitten my dad stole from his work."

"Getting tips from Hunk?"

"Yeah, he's the engineer and I'm just some tech junky, I hope it works."

"Hope it goes good, see ya."

"Bye Texas Kogane."

"That's my dad."

"Bye Texas Kogane Jr." Pidge snorts.

"Bye Samuel Holt Jr." Keith snickers.

"Oh har har."

Keith heads out of the Holt household, fist bumping Matt on his way out. He trudges home and swings open the door.

"Hey Keith."

"Yo."

"You're back early."

"I'm too clingy." Keith shrugs, shuffling to his room. He face plants on his bed and throws the blanket over his body.

"You gonna be okay while I'm at work?" Shiro says from the doorway of Keith's bedroom.

"Yeah, I'll invite Pidge over or Matt. Or the both of them." Keith mumbles.

"Okay, be safe. Did you take your meds this morning."

"Sure."

"Keith, you need to stay on them."

"I'm fine, I haven't been taking them for 2 months and look, I'm happy. I'm not sleeping for hours at a time. C'mon, Shiro, face it medicines won't help."

Shiro sighs and rubs his face, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Whatever, Keith. Don't improve, fine by me. Suffer in your own puddle of self pity and despair."

"Learned it from you and dad."

"Don't bring your dad into this, Keith."

"Y'know, he was so damn desperate to get out of this shitty world he went back into that burning house and saved some bullshit kid over taking care of his own."

"Keith, your father has nothing to do with this."

"Oh, but doesn't he? You bring him up all the fucking time. What would your dad say? What would your dad do? He wouldn't do shit, because face it, he didn't give a single fuck about me. He didn't even care about you." Keith seethes.

"Stop, Keith."

"No! Face the fucking facts Takashi, then come talk to me about doing the right fucking thing." Keith grumbles, shoving his head under his pillow.

Shiro slams Keith's bedroom door and grabs his bag, rushing out of the house and to his car.

Lance was writhing in pain on his bed. Clutching at his abdomen, sobbing into a pillow. He nearly screams when a new spike of pain shoots through his stomach and back.

"Lance? Sweetie, is there anything I can-"

"Get out!" Lance shouts through tears, vision blurry. Snot running down his face, mingling with tears.

He pants when the pain eases up, chest heaving before it spikes back up. He screams and whimpers. His period was light but his cramps were horrible.
It felt like thousands of knives stabbing into him every second.

When his phone begins ringing he throws it onto the floor and groans. Turning over to face the wall. He shoves a pillow between his legs, one behind his back, and one near his stomach. He pulls his blankets over his head and whines.

He wanted to die in that very moment. It all was very clear to him what he was born as and he hated it. Why couldn't he have just been who he was underneath all of this.

Chapter Text

>>>Keith>>>

L: hey
im sorry about yesterday,,
i ended up having to go to the hospital
cramps got so bad i was screaming

No response.

Lance sighs and sets his phone to the side.

"You feeling better today?" Marco asks.

"Yeah. I think I may have fucked things up with Keith."

"How so?"

"I- I told him he was being too clingy yesterday and that he never gives me any privacy. Told him he was a reason I was mad."

"Did you message him? Tell him you're sorry?"

"I just did. He hasn't replied."

"Maybe he's busy?"

"I dunno. He usually texts back immediately." Lance sighs.

"Dont think about it too much."

"Okay." Lance mutters.

>>>Losers>>>

L: jfc this chat is dead

H: true
its near testing time
so understandable

P: ,,,
testing?
hunk
testing for us has already passed skdjjsjdjdj

H: oh?

L: well, flight simulations have passed

P: yeah
you failed
horribly

L: shut up
im new to this shit

H: where's keith?

P: beats me
he hasn't talked to me since yesterday

L: ,,,
same

H: oh?

L: we
we kinda got into a fight?
more so me being an ass than anything else

H: what happened?

P: he told keith he's too clingy

L: in my defense im moody
and hate life rn

H: you still shouldn't have said that

L: i know
i tried to apologise but he hasn't looked at my message
or reply

H: oof
show up to his place?

P: idk if that's a good idea
he and shiro apparently got into it last night
told shiro that his dad (shiros family friend?) never cared about either of them,,
i shouldn't be telling you guys this
deleting chat history hold on

L: what
pidge you can't just tell us shit and then not tell the rest

P: yes i can
you can ask keith on your own about his family

L: i can't when he's ignoring me

P: hes probably brooding in his room
if you wanna get stabbed you can go
but if not then i suggest staying home

L: already being betrayed by my own bodu
not like itd hurt me
/sad dab/

H: wkrjisisuha
no

L: yes
any who
talk to y'all later ig

P: y a l l

H: y'all

L: shut up

P: hes definitely been spending too much time with keith

L: bye i can't see these texts through my tears lmao
watch me run into a car

H: makdkkasmn nO

L: yes
pls
its better than bleeding

H: wHAT YOU'RE BLEEDING???
WhERE LANCE OH MY GOD
GO TO THE HOSPITAL
,,,
wait
I'M STUPID DJFJHDJSHFHIEIEWOE

L: bye

Lance strips from his pajamas and slips into his binder, a pair of jeans, and a sweatshirt. He grabs his phone and heads out of the apartment.

Both Calliope and Marco were at their classes and had work immediately afterwards. He heads down the road and continues for what feels like forever.

He eventually gets to Keith's apartment building and knocks at the door.

"Oh, hey Lance." Shiro smiles.

"Hey, Keith here?"

"He didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"His mom reached out to him."

"What?"

"Yeah, he's out with her right now. He should be back soon, if you want you can wait here?"

"I don't wanna impose."

"You're fine, come on in. This gives me an opportunity to tell you embarrassing stories about Keith. And I get to whip out the baby books." Shiro chuckles, pulling Lance inside the apartment.

"Oh, uh. Okay." Lance mutters, taking a seat on the couch.

Shiro exits the living room and comes back with a couple books in his hands.

"These date all the way up to his first year at the Garrison. He threatens me anytime I try to take pictures now."

"So are you and Keith biological brothers?"

"No, we really aren't related at all. I took Keith in when his father died."

"What?"

"Keith's father died. He risked his life going back into a burning building to save a kid."

"I-I never knew that."

"He and I got into a bit of an argument last night. He used his father as an excuse to not take his meds."

Lance chews on the inside of his cheek.

"Lets get to these baby books, huh?"

"Yeah."

They flip through the pictures, all the way up to first year Garrison Keith. The front door opens and Keith steps inside, the door shutting after another person walks in. Keith jumps when he sees Lance on the couch talking to Shiro.

"Oh! Keith, you're home." Shiro smiles.

"Did you fucking touch him?" Keith growls. This situation reminded him of when he came home to find Shiro and Lotor making out on the couch.

"What? Keith-"

"Did you fucking touch him, Shiro?!" Keith was pissed.

"Keith, he didn't-"

"I'm asking Shiro, not you." Keith glares at Lance.

"Is this about the Lotor thing. Dude, I didn't fucking touch Lance."

"Should- Should I leave?" Krolia speaks up.

"No, you're fine." Keith mutters.

Lance sits there awkwardly, his emotions beginning to swirl out of control. Tears rolls down his cheeks and he lets out a shaky breath.

"Lance?" Keith whimpers.

"Im- I'm gonna go." Lance whispers, standing up. He pushes past Keith and Krolia.

"Lance wait!" Keith shouts, grabbing Lance's wrist.

Lance tears away from Keith and rushes back home. Binder making it difficult to breathe as he runs down blocks and blocks of buildings. Once he's back inside his room he collapses in a pile on the floor.

He pants and wheezes, sobbing and hiccuping. He strips from his shirt and binder and calls Hunk.

"Hey. You okay buddy?"

"Keith- Keith doesn't trust me- he thinks- Hunk he thinks I'd cheat on him with Shiro."

"What?"

"He- he came back after being with his mom and Shiro and I were talking on the couch about- about Keith and looking- at looking- looking at his baby pictures. He started yelling asking if Shiro touched me."

"Lance, are you okay?"

"No- I- I ran in my binder and now my ribs hurt." Lance hisses.

Hunk and Lance talk for a little longer until Lance hears a knock on the front door. He hangs up and slips back into his shirt.

Lance pads out of his room, having calmed down an hour ago. He opens the door and freezes. His blood turns cold and his breath hitches.

"Hello, love."

Chapter Text

Lance tries to shut the door in Lotor's face, failing when he shoves his foot between the door.

"Aren't you happy to see me? I sure am happy to see you. I missed your vanilla lips and round hips, McClain." Lotor chuckles.

"How- how did you find me?"

"I've got a bit of intel from Axca. She told me all about your bonding in your room. Wells after I beat her senseless or course."

Lance whimpers and backs up, walking backwards until he hits the wall. His eyes widen when he gets boxed in by Lotor.

"Oh princess, you can't be that disappointed to see me, can you? I thought you enjoyed our little visits."

Lance shoves against Lotor, hitting at him.

"Oh love, you don't want me to get violent now. Do you?"

Lance's blood turns cold again. Where the hell were Marco and Calliope? Why were they taking so long to get home.

"You're a horrible host, Lana. Show me to your room." Lotor smiles, breath hot against Lance's skin.

Lana. Lana. Lana.

"That's not my name." Lance hisses.

"But isn't that what your mother named you? You shouldn't just throw that away, Lana. Now be a good pet and lead me to your room like I asked." Lotor chuckles, pulling away from Lance.

Lance reluctantly heads to his room. His heart racing. He had a glass plant pot in his room. He could use that as a weapon.

"There's a good host." Lotor grins, closing the door behind them. He locks it and Lance's heart rate increases.

Lance goes to grab the plant but before he can he's shoved against the bookshelf, books clattering down hitting him in the face. He cries out and struggles against Lotor.

"Were you planning to hit me with that?" Lotor snarls.

Lance shakes his head, silent tears falling down his cheeks.

Lotor makes quick work of shoving Lance face down into the mattress. Ripping the back of his sweatshirt open and throws the tattered cloth to the side.

Lance panics, sobbing and whimpering

"You sound like a wounded dog. Maybe I should shut you up?"

Lance's eyes widen when he hears the distinct sound of a belt coming undone. Lance screams and rolls over, kicking Lotor in the groin.

He takes the chance to grab his jacket and unlock the bedroom door, throwing it open. He races from the room and out of the apartment building.

He feels a hand yank onto his hair and pull him down. Eyes widening when he sees Lotor again.

"You're such a pest!" Lotor growls, kicking Lance in the side.

Lance groans and rolls over, shoving his feet into Lotor's knees, sending the male toppling over.

Lance stands up, nearly falling as he runs. His bare feet pounding against the pavement. Tap tap tap against the hot tar of the road. His lungs scream for air as he runs to the only place he knows.

Bounding up the apartment buildings stairs to Keith's. He shoves through the door and slams it

"Lance?" Shiros worried voice comes from the couch.

Lance's nose was bloodied and his eye bruised. His ribs aching from that kick.

"Shiro, who's here?"

"Its Lance!" Shiro shouts.

Keith is in the living room within a second. Arms enveloping him.

Lance shrieks and shoves Keith away, falling backwards, cradling his sides.

"What the fuck?" Keith hisses.

Lance throws up on himself before passing out.

"Does he have his phone on him?" Shiro asks.

"Uhm." Keith mutters, patting Lance's pockets.

"Well?"

"No. Shiro he's bruised and bloodied. His brother and Calliope wouldn't do this to him."

"Do you have his brothers number?"

"No." Keith sighs.

"I'll call the police, they'll report to his house and ours and talk to us and Lance when he wakes up. For now we need to clean him up and get him new clothes."

"Im gonna ask Hunk if he knows anything." Keith mutters.

>>>Hunk>>>

K: lance just showed up
have you talked to him at all?

H: yeah
he hung up about an hour or two ago because someone was at the door
it wasn't you?

K: no
i haven't left my room.

H: pidge?

K: they don't know where Lance's apartment is

H: oh jeez
is he okay?

K: he's in bad shape
bloodied and bruised, he only has his jacket and pants on.

H: what the hell,,

K: we called the police were waiting for them now

H: update me asap

K: will do

>>>Pidge>>>

P: wHY ARE THERE POLICE CARS OUTSIDE THE BUILDING???

K: i'll explain later.

As soon as Lance comes to he's immediately overwhelmed. Kicking out at whatever is next to his legs.

"Jeez! Ouch, Lance!" Keith hisses.

"K-keith?" Lance whimpers.

"Yes, its me. We've got someone here to talk to you." Keith sighs.

A cop is standing by Keith's desk.

"Hello, I'm officer Reya. Mr.Kogane here said you showed up to his and Mr.Shirogane's apartment with a bloody nose and a bruise on your eye. They stripped you from your vomit covered clothes and bathed you and dressed you. Upon undressing you they found you had only your jacket and a large abrasion on your side. Kogane here tells me you use a binder, was that bruise from that or an attacker?"

Lance's head spins. Keith stripped him? And bathed him? Keith had seen his body?

"I- I didn't look. Shiro washed you." Keith mutters

"I- uh- the bruises are from an attacker."

"Can you identify the man or woman who attacked you?"

"Lotor Daibazaal. He's 6'2, long silver hair, tanned skin, a blue maybe violet colored iris. Quiet lanky but has some muscle to him."

"Lotor is here?" Keith growls.

"So you are acquainted with the attacker?" the officer raises an eyebrow.

"My ex and Lance's former classmate." Keith mutters.

"Oh, I see. Lance, could you tell me from start to finish what Mr.Daibazaal had done?"

"Wh-when it started or- or today's incident?"

"Today's incident please. Then I'll send an officer to examine your apartment to find any damages or if anything has been taken. We'll then talk to who you're living with and ask where they were at the time of the attack."

"Uh-o-okay. I was on a call with my best friend Hunk for a few hours when I heard a knock at the door. I thought it was Keith, so I slipped back into my sweatshirt, I had taken it and my binder off due to extreme difficulty breathing. When I had answered Lotor was there. In my shock I tried to close the door and he- he blocked it. He cornered me in the living room when I backed against a wall and told me to take him to my room after threatening to-" Lance shudders, tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Take your time, I know how hard it can be reliving these things. Even if they happened minutes or even years ago."

"He threatened to harm me if I didn't take him to my room and cooperate. I tried to grab a potted plant, glass might I add, to injure him to some extent to give myself time. He noticed and shoved me against my bookshelf, books fell and hit me. My nose began to bleed and a bruise began to form on my eye."

Keith was resisting the urge to storm out of his bedroom to go hunt Lotor down.

"He- he harmed a female named Axca who was trying to protect my location. Lotor then- he shoved me face down into my bed and ripped through my sweatshirt. When- when I heard him undoing his belt it sent me into fight mode and I kicked him in his groin. I grabbed my jacket and raced out of my apartment, getting to the hall of the buildings before he pulled my hair and shoved me to the ground to kick at my side. I kicked his knees and ran to Keith's." Lance finishes, wiping at his hair

"I'll send a team to your apartment to search it and talk to your guardians. In the meantime you should stay here, I'll stay posted outside of the apartment to ensure your safety."

"Thank you, Officer Reya."

"Its my duty to serve and protect." she smiles, giving a small salute.

"Lance are you okay?"

"Not really." Lance laughs.

"Do you wanna watch a movie? Keep your mind off it?"

"I-I guess?"

"Okay."

Keith turns on Moana and sits next to Lance. Waiting for him to fall asleep. He feels Lance's head hit his shoulder and he smiles.

"Goodnight Lance." Keith whispers.

He stays up to watch over Lance and make sure he sleeps okay. Waiting for Lance if he has an nightmares. Playing with his hair and watching Disney movies.

Keith eventually passes out, his head laid against Lance's. Lance now tucked tight against Keith, a blanket draped over the two of them.

Chapter Text

Lance stumbles through the streets, legs numb. He spins around, hearing footsteps. Eyes widening, he runs.

Bare feet slapping down against the concrete. Terrified. Panting. He runs into someone, falling onto his ass. He looks up and his eyes widen again, scrambling backwards screaming.

"HELP! HELP!" He screams loudly.

"No one's coming to your rescue, love." Lotor purrs, picking Lance up. He throws him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

Roaming hands, breath down his neck. Lips on his, lips down his throat. Teeth, sharp and fang-like scraping down his neck. Shirt tugged and thrown to the side, pants ripped off.

Lance wakes up screaming and panting. Sweat sheening his body.

"Lance?!" Keith gasps.

Lance's head shoots around, staring at Keith like he just killed his dog. Lance falls out of the bed and scrambles backwards.

"Lance? Shiro! Get in here!" Keith shouts, scrambling out of the bed.

Heavy footsteps, door swings open.

"Don't touch him, Keith." Shiro grumbles, crouched down near Lance.

"But-!"

"No buts! Now shut the hell up!" Shiro shouts.

"Lance, hey, you're okay. Can you look at me?" Shiro whispers, voice soft and soothing.

Lance's breathing was erratic, hands clawing at his arms.

"Shit." Shiro mutters, he grabs Lance's hands and holds them tightly.

"Lance, I need you to look at me." Shiro huffs

Lance's eyes seem to search the room before landing on Shiro.

"Good, good. I need you to breathe with me. Okay? Can you do that?" Shiro smiles, rubbing patterns with his thumbs into Lance's hands.

Shiro breathes, demonstrating for Lance. In. Hold. Out.

"Okay, Lance, who am I?"

"Sh-shiro?" Lance's voice was scared and slurred.

"Yes, that's good. Who's that on the bed?" Shiro shifts to the side, letting Lance look at Keith.

"Kei-Keith."

"Good. I'm gonna let go of your hands." Shiro smiles, pulling away.

"He- he- Lotor- the streets... he-"

"It was a dream, Lance." Shiro smiles.

"It felt- it felt so r-real!" Lance sobs.

"I know, I know. But it wasnt, I promise you that it was all a dream. You've been here all night, curled up with Keith."

"Even- the- the fight,,, was that- that was a dream? Lotor isn't back either..?"

"No, the fight and Lotor weren't a dream. We've got officers searching right now. We think Lotor had a ticket here and back."

"He- he wouldn't just come then leave." Lance whimpers.

"He might have. They're checking and doing as much as they can."

Lance sighs and rubs at his face. This was all too overwhelming for him.

"I'll have Keith walk you home. I've got to be at work." Shiro smiles, ruffling Lance's hair before he stands up.

"Lance?" Keith mutters.

"Yeah?" Lance looks up to Keith, wiping at his eyes.

"I love you."

"I love you too." Lance forces a smile.

They sit in silence for a little while, Lance curled into himself on the floor.

"Lance?"

"Hm?"

"Do you wanna come back in the bed? We don't have to like- oomf!"

Lance is back in the bed in a second, head tucked under Keith's chin. He needed reassurance. He needed something nice. Lance was tired of living in fear.

He wanted to take back what happened to him and use it as reasons not to trust people but not everyone was like that. He couldn't recoil at every single touch. He couldn't live like that anymore.

"Keith."

"Hm?"

Lance presses his lips to Keith's, trying to forget the feeling of Lotor's. Trying to make a new feeling, happier, full of love.

"Keith, help me forget him." Lance whispers, kissing down Keith's neck.

As much as Keith wanted this he couldn't. He couldn't do that.

"Lance, look at me." Keith huffs, putting on a front

Lance pulls away from Keith's neck, looking at his eyes and lips.

"You can't make a good experience by trying to block out a bad one. You don't want this, you simply want to forget what nearly happened. I can't let you do this."

Lance chews on his bottom lip and sighs.

"I guess you're right. I just wanna take it back y'know. I'm tired of being terrified of every little touch. I can't believe he invaded my fucking home, my new home where I feel safe to be myself, and tried that shit."

"I know, but you'll be able to get over this hurdle. I promise you Lance. You'll get through this and you'll be able to be okay again."

Lance hugs Keith, shoving his face into his chest. Sniffling but not crying. He didn't have anymore tears to shed.

"You want me to walk you home so you can get your binder and clothes back on? I'll stay with you tonight if you want me to."

Lance nods and squeezes Keith.

They end up staying at Keith's for a bit longer before Keith walks Lance home. The two of them curling up to watch a movie in the living room with Calliope and Marco. An officer posted outside their door for protection.
It definitely made Lance feel a lot safer.

He ends up falling asleep sprawled across Keith and Calliope's laps. Keith's hands running through his hair and Calliope rubbing his back. The movie still playing, Marco and Keith making quiet idle conversation.

Marco telling Keith all about Lance's childhood. He used to shove things down his pants. Marco was surprised his mom didn't find out sooner, it was quite obvious.

Lance had struggled with a lot of things when he was younger. From being forced into feminine clothes he'd rip chunks of his hair out as a coping mechanism. Lance always knew there was something wrong and Marco could tell too.

Life just wasn't easy for the McClains. Always something crazy happening.

"So how long have you and Calliope been together?"

"Since I moved out here about 3 years ago. Soon as I laid my eyes on her I knew I wanted to be with her. Kind of like I could tell she was meant to be with me?" Marco shrugs.

"I always thought he was a bit of a flirt. He was always trying to get my attention by showing off." Calliope laughs.

"That's how Lance is. Big goofy flirt. Glad he turned out like you, Marco." Keith smiles, looking down at Lance with a fond look on his face.

"That's the look." Marco smiles.

"Huh?"

"The look. The 'Im stupid in love with you'." Marco chuckles.

Keith's cheeks flush pink.

"He's just playing with you." Calliope smiles, reaching over to ruffle Keith's hair.

Lance whines and kicks out his legs, hitting Marco.

"Shushh." Lance groans, yawning and stretching.

"Maybe you should go to your room and sleep." Calliope snickers.

"No." Lance mutters before drifting back to sleep. Head pushing into Keith's hand.

They continue to talk, just a bit quieter. Marco telling more embarrassing stories about Lance. Calliope telling stories about Marco their first year of college.

It was nice, Keith felt accepted here. He wanted to keep that forever.

Chapter Text

Keith was sitting in Iverson's class, completely overwhelmed. He didn't know how Lance was. He didn't know where he was either.

Anxiety and paranoia taking over his leg begins to bounce. He looks down at his hands, nails were nubs. Lance hated when he chewed at his nails and cuticles.

He lifts a finger to his mouth, tearing away at the skin around his nails. Nearly wincing at the pain of his skin being ripped open. It was nearly carnivorous, ravenous.

Blood pools and sits there until Keith sucks at the area. Moving on to another finger. Skin lifted and bloodied. His left leg bouncing faster now.

His other hand scratching slightly at his face. He pays no attention to the jumbled words Iverson is spilling out. Zoned out, dead to the class.

"Kogane."

He zones back in, snapping out of the hole.

"Yes sir?"

"Can you tell me exactly what I just said?"

Keith stares blankly, gears turning in his head. Blank. Nothing. Lance.

"Uhh- no, sir. I'm afraid I can't. Could I step to the hall?"

"You've got 2 minutes."

Keith grabs his bag and rushes out of the class. Heading to an exit. He had to see if Lance was okay.

Anxiety eating away at the back of his mind. Everything screaming that this wasn't like Lance. He would've told Keith if he had therapy or if he was sick.

Lance would've texted him. He hadn't gotten any all day and it was nearly the end of the school day. Keith walks faster, pace close to a jog.

He gets to Lance's apartment and knocks. Waiting and waiting for a response. Calliope's figure stands there, a confused smile playing on her lips.

"Keith?"

"Is Lance here? He didn't- he didn't text me and I'm- I-I'm freaking out."

"He's fine, Keith. He had a reschedule with his therapist. Marco took him a bit ago. You're welcome to stay if you'd like."

"No- no I don't wanna impose. I already did- god I really am clingy. I'm sorry Calliope you probably have work or something- I'm gonna go. Thank you for reassurance though." Keith smiles, spinning on his heels.

He heads out of the apartment building and down the main street to get to his. Anxiety still thrumming through his veins. He chews at his bottom lip, skin easily tearing off. Blood spilling across it.

Copper. Keith enjoyed the taste if he were honest. He liked the look of it too. His tongue runs along his lips collecting the thick red liquid.

Once he's home he opens the door. Cursing when he spots Shiro's shoes, along with a foreign pair.

"Shiro?" Keith calls out, padding from the entry to the living room.

It takes a moment but Keith gets a rugged Shiro in the hall.

"What- what are you doing home?" Shiro rasps.

"Uh- Did I interrupt something?"

"No! Yes? I don't know! What are you doing here?!"

"Freaked out at school."

"Are you okay? Is Lance okay?"

"I'm fine, Lance had a therapy appointment that we both didn't know about. Freaked me out cause he hasn't texted me."

"So you felt the need to leave school?"

"Yes?? I care about Lance and I wanted to make sure he was okay. Clearly you don't know what its like to care for a significant other."

"Takashi?" a voice calls.

"I- just a second!" Shiro shouts.

"Who's that?" Keith pushes passed Shiro.

"Keith!" Shiro shouts.

Keith pushes open Shiro's bedroom door, a dirty blonde\light brown haired male sits up.

"Right after Matt?!" Keith shouts, spinning around to face Shiro.

"I was going to tell you Keith!"

"And yet you didn't, good job on hurting people you love." Keith seethes, pushing past Shiro again to head to his room.

His bedroom door slamming behind him. He throws his backpack to the ground and pulls out his phone, collapsing on his bed.

>>>Losers>>>

K: Shiro already got with someone new.

P: what??

H: i didn't even know him and matt broke up

K: well they did
and i know matt is still upset isn't he

P: hes doing better
hes talking to a girl now

K: yea but shiro is FUCKING

P: Jesus

H: ksmdkskskw BAD WORD WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE

K: KSKSKS ITS JUSTIFIED IN THIS MOMENT

L: sup hoes
oh?
you okay babe?

K: yeah im fine
come over?
or i can go over there?

P: or you could come to mine?
i have a surprise:3

K: surprises from you are always bad

P: not this one
cmon, trust me this one time

K: fine
ill go pick lance up

L: i
im kinda already outside your place

K: wHY DIDNT YOU TELL ME HOLD ON

Keith scrambles out of bed, throwing on new clothes and shoving his feet into his shoes. He shoves his phone into his pocket and rushes out of the apartment.

He runs down the hallway stars and outside, grinning when he sees Lance.

"Hey!" Lance smiles.

"Hey."

"Sleeveless shirt? That's new."

Keith looks down, snorting at the wide cut holes where the arms used to be.

"I forgot I owned this, guess in my hurry I grabbed it." Keith shrugs.

"Makes you look good." Lance smiles, taking Keith's hand. Start out slow. Only hand holding again for the moment. And hugging.

Keith walks Lance across the street to Pidge's house. Knuckles hitting the door.

"Did you bite your fingers and lips again?" Lance sighs.

"Y,,yes?"

"Stupid. Put bandaids over them so you aren't tempted."

"I'm sorry, I freaked out okay."

"What's up losers?" Pidge grins.

"What's the surprise?" Keith sighs.

"Wow, such a peach. So glad to see you Keith. A smile wouldn't kill you." Pidge chuckles.

"Hey Pidge."

"Heya Lance. C'mon in guys." Pidge steps aside, allowing Lance and Keith to step inside the house.

"So, the surprise is in my room. It's big and cuddly. And as sweet as chocolate chips."

"Is it a teddy bear?" Lance squints.

"Dunno, let's go find out." Pidge grins, pulling the two upstairs to their room.

"Now, don't freak out when you see what's in here." Pidge snorts.

"Why would we-" the door creaks open to reveal Hunk sitting at Pidge's desk.

"HUNK!" Lance squeals, rushing into the room.

"Lance!" Hunk smiles, standing up to intercept the hug.

"I can't believe you're here!!" Lance laughs, squeezing Hunk. He felt his problems melting away. Warm and soft. Cuddly.
The squeeze reminded him of Blue.

Hunk lets Lance down and pulls Keith into a hug as well.

"So what are we gonna do?"

"Anything and everything."

"Sleep over?" Pidge asks.

"Please." Keith laughs.

"No PDA." Pidge snickers.

"We aren't like making out calm down." Lance sighs.

"Oh yeah." Hunk mutters.

"I'm doing fine. Don't worry. Cmon, its fun time. I've got all my pals." Lance smiles

Chapter Text

They start off the sleepover by heading downstairs. Hunk and Pidge immediately heading off into the kitchen.

"What are you two doing?" Lance snorts upon seeing Pidge on Hunk's shoulders.

"Mom's mixing bowl is on the top of the cabinets." Pidge mutters, fingers grazing the bowl. They hiss out a curse and sigh.

"Still too short. Lance you got lanky arms you try." Pidge huffs, clambering down from Hunk.

"Uh, okay?" Lance mutters, awkwardly getting on Hunk's shoulders.

Keith crossed his arms over his chest, a small scowl on his lips.

"Awe don't be jealous Keith." Pidge whispers, snickering.

"I-I I'm not!" Keith stutters, face flushed.

"Mhm coulda fooled me." Pidge grins.

Lance's fingers grab the bowl, afraid to lose his balance. His thighs were tight around Hunk, holding the bowl close to his chest. He quickly sets it down and clambers off of Hunk.

"Bet you wish that was you." Pidge teases.

"Will you shut up!" Keith hisses, hitting them lightly.

"I'll fucking bite your arm, test me."

"I'll stab your dog."

"Touch Bae Bae and you die."

"You two okay?" Lance quips.

"Yep!" Keith smiles.

"Peachy." Pidge smiles as well.

They end up making cookies and brownies. Lance crying when he gets a brownie in his mouth.

"What the fuck this is so good." except its more muffled.

"Oh my god, don't cry!" Hunk laughs.

"ITS SO GOOD THOUGH." Lance sits there, silently crying.

Keith smiles and snorts.

"What's so funny Keef?"

"Nothing." Keith laughs.

Lance finishes his brownie before he sends a glare Keith's way.

"Something's funny otherwise you wouldn't laugh."

"Ooh shit Keith's gonna get his ass beat."

Their little squabble ends with Lance tickling the hell out of Keith until he's crying.

"lANCE IM GONNA PUNCH YOU STOP!" Keith screams, barely able to breathe over his laughing.

"Okay okay." Lance snorts, pulling away.

"You're an asshole." Keith pants, rolling over.

"Awe poor baby." Pidge snickers.

"Oh haha." Keith huffs.

The rest of the night is filled with popcorn and horror movies. Surprisingly, Keith was terrified.
He had his face shoved into Lance's back.

"Pussy." Lance snickers.

"Oh shut up." Keith huffs.

"Nah." Lance snorts

"Shh." Pidge hisses.

"We should watch Heather's or Breakfast Club." Hunk suggests

"Breakfast Club." Lance says.

"Heather's." Pidge and Keith say at the same time.

"Uhhh both?" Hunk asks.

"Yeah." Lance shrugs.

They watch Heather's first then Breakfast Club. Keith mouthing each J.D line in Heather's.

"Bet your first gay crush was on him." Lance chuckles.

"Oh my god, Keith had a shrine dedicated to J.D" Pidge laughs

"Katie! Shut up!" Keith whines.

"Its Pidge and you know that. Seriously, dude was obsessed with him. He even begged for a trench coat like J.D's for his 14th birthday."

"You've got to be joking." Lance laughs.

"Hush!!" Keith whines.

"Poor baby." Lance snickers.

"Shh." Hunk pouts.

"Sorry Hunk." Pidge, Lance, and Keith mumble.

They stay up til 1am, watching old movies and eating sweets. Lance ends up falling asleep, curled across Keith's lap.

Keith smiles and runs his fingers through Lance's hair. Rubbing his back. Hunk and Pidge take pictures and smile.

Keith, still with a fond smile on his face. "If you don't delete those I'll stab you both." he doesn't look up at all.

Hunk chokes and snorts.

"Fucking stab me." Pidge glares, the tv glaring off their glasses.

Everyone else ends up falling asleep an hour or two later. Passed out on the couches and floor. Lance and Keith cuddled tightly together.

The next day they listened to musicals and baked again. They also went out to a coffee shop and to a nearby laser tag/mini golf place.

It was a great 2 days but Lance needed to get home immediately. He hadn't been able to take off his binder, his chest was aching like hell.

"Keith- Keith I've gotta get home." Lance wheezes.

"Did you sleep in your fucking binder?" Keith hisses.

"Yeah!" Lance squeaks.

"Come to the bathroom with me." Keith sighs.

They head into the laser tags bathroom, Lance stepping into a stall. He wrestles out of his jacket and shirt.

Breathless from just doing that. He takes a moment to breathe, pressing his hands to the stall to stretch. He then wrestles out of his binder, shuddering at the frigid air.

Lance could finally breathe, he basically moans at the free feelings.

Keith chokes from outside the stall, cheeks flushed.

"I- I did that didn't I?" Lance whines.

"Y-yep." Keith coughs.

Lance sighs and slips back into his shirt and jacket. Swallowing the feeling of dysphoria down. Today was a day for happiness, not this bullshit. He steps out of the stall and sighs.

"It feels good to be able to breathe, but what do I do with this?"

"I'll put it in my pants pocket."

"Uhh,, okay?" Lance hands his binder over and Keith tucks it into his pocket.

Lance and Keith head out of the bathroom. The two of them heading to where they saw Pidge and Hunk last.

They stay for a bit longer before Keith walks Lance home. Keith presses a small kiss to Lance's cheek before Lance goes inside.

"I'll see you tomorrow?"

"I've got another therapy session and check up tomorrow. They're upping my dosage."

"So, don't get to see you?"

"Sadly, no. You can see me the next day." Lance smiles.

"Okay, well see you then. Wish me luck that I don't walk in on Shiro having sex." Keith snorts.

"Good luck cariño." Lance presses a kiss to Keith's cheek before he heads inside.

Keith smiles and heads back to his apartment. The sun setting making the world seem much more beautiful. When really the world was sick and twisted.

The only things that made Keith look forward to living were Lance, sunsets and sunrises, Pidge, and Hunk. They were the only things that made him truly happy with life. Especially Lance.

He sighs and places his hand on the door knob. Twisting it before pushing the door open. He steps inside and jumps when he sees Shiro and another male on the couch.

"Keith." Shiro sighs.

"I don't want to meet another one of your boyfriends, Shiro." Keith glares.

"No, you're going to sit down, Keith."

Keith rolls his eyes and collapses into a chair. His arms crossed over his chest.

"This is Adam. He and I have been talking for a while, since before Matthew and I had began to date."

"Wait, are you telling me your feelings for Matt weren't true?" Keith's eyes widen.

"What? No! Keith, I loved Matt, a lot. Its just, we couldn't deal with that third party in our relationship, or I couldn't. Keith, I've never been sure of my sexuality, sure I've found women attractive, but its just the aesthetics. I found that out quickly when Allura joined our relationship. So I left and continued talking to Adam."

"You could've just said something to Matt about Allura."

"Its not up for debate! Its done and its been done, Keith. Adam, this is Keith, my brother."

"We aren't even blood related cut the shit Takashi. My dad only brought you in because he was friends with your mom and dad." Keith seethes, quickly getting up. He rushes to his room, slamming and locking the door.

He could hear Shiro crying and Adam comforting him. Keith felt bad for doing something for the first time in his life. He and Shiro's relationship would suffer from that choice.

Chapter Text

Keith tried over the whole week to apologize to Shiro. To tell him he was sorry and didn't mean it, yet he couldn't ever find Shiro. He had really fucked up. So, he calls over Lance to figure out what he should do.

"Wait so you're telling me that you said to Shiro that you aren't blood related and your dad only brought him in because of his family?"

"Yes! I know I fucked up Lance! God I pushed one of the only people away that has ever been there for me! He- he hasn't been home in days!" Keith was crying. He shoves the heels of his hands against his eyes in attempt to stop the tears. He felt weak.

"You're not weak, Keith." Lance whispers, pulling Keith into his hold. Taking ahold of Keith's hands, pulling them away from his face.

"You're not weak, you've got feelings. Its okay to cry over these things, Keith." Lance smiles,  running his fingers through Keith's hair.

Keith sobs and shoves his face against Lance's chest.

"Woah-kay!" Lance shrieks, pulling Keith's face away.

"S-sorry! I forgot-- god I'm fucking everything up!" Keith laughs through his tears, pushing his face against the crook of Lance's neck. Sobbing and shaking.

"Its okay." Lance whispers, rubbing Keith's back.

"What do I do?!" Keith hiccups.

"Well, for starters you could call him. Then you could apologize and meet his new boyfriend. He wanted you to be a part of his life and I'm sure that made him feel like you didn't want to be in it. So you tell him you're sorry and that what you said wasn't true, tell him that you love him and that he is your brother. It'll take a while for you two to have what you had, but it will be okay."

Keith takes a minute to calm down then goes to wash his face. Splashing cold water against his skin. He takes a look at his dark circles and chapped lips.

"Lance?" Keith ask, walking back to his room.

"Hmm?"

"Do- do you still do that facial care shit?"

"Yeah, I started back up again when the acne started. Why?"

"Could- could we do some? Not that- not that I care if my skin is soft or whatever." Keith clears his throat.

"Pfft, sure Keith. Do you wanna stay at my house too? We could watch movies and whatever."

"If its not too much."

"Its fine, you need a break from being here. C'mon we'll have a nice little boyfriends day."

"Pfft, okay." Keith snorts, grabbing his backpack. Dumping his papers and books out. Shoving clothes in it.

"Can I steal a hoodie?" Lance mumbles.

"What's that?"

"C-can I steal a hoodie?" Lance mutters.

Keith snorts and stands up, plucking a black hoodie with roses on the sleeves from his closet.

"Should smell like me if you're worried about that." Keith chuckles, tossing the hoodie to Lance who catches it with his face.

"Shut up." Lance groans from behind the hoodie.

"Nah." Keith snorts, shucking his backpack strap over his shoulder.

Lance shoves the hoodie on over his t-shirt and takes Keith's hand. The two of them walking to Lance's place. They stop at a gas station to get snacks which results in Lance saying that he's the only snack Keith needs.

"Are you saying you want me to eat you???" Keith tilts his head.

Lance snorts and pats Keith's back.

"Silly. C'mon, we've got Disney movies waiting for us."

When they get to Lance's they immediately head to Lance's room. Lance setting up his bed to be comfortable, getting a stack of movies, and arranging the food on the bed.

"Now, you stay here I'm gonna get the face masks, a wet rag, and a bowl." Lance smiles.

They had gotten comfortable in their pajamas and turned on Keith's favorite princess movie. Brave. He doesn't even know how it got to be his favorite.

Lance returns with his hands full, shoving the things onto his side table. He wets Keith's nose with the damp rag.

"What's that?"

"A pore strip, I'm gonna put it on your nose and rip the shit outta it."

"Ouch???"

"Beauty hurts babe." Lance chuckles, planting a small kiss to Keith's lips. Lance was having a good day and that was rare now. After that whole Lotor thing he sorta shut down with touches.

But once again he was getting better, apparently the officers had apprehended Lotor at the airport. So things were taken care of and Lance and Axca were talking quite regularly.

They wait a bit before Lance rips the pore strip from Keith's nose, Keith letting out a shriek.

"Ow!" a couple tears stream from the sides of his eyes.

"Oh you baby." Lance laughs, kissing Keith's nose.

"What's next?" Keith huffs.

"Just a nice rose clay mask. Which means I need to tie your hair up turn around." Lance smiles.

Keith shifts, careful not to knock over anything. Lance hums and gathers Keith's hair up, tugging it into a ponytail. The tug drew a gasp from Keith, his cheeks flushing.

"Sorry!" Lance hisses. He thought he had hurt Keith.

Keith relaxes, thank God. When Lance is done he turns back around. Cheeks still a light pink.

Lance hums to a song Keith didn't recognize, squeezing some of the rose scented clay mask onto his fingers. He rubs it over Keith's face, making sure to coat it evenly.

"What song is that?"

"Uhm. Seigfried by Frank Ocean?" Lance mumbles.

"Sing it?"

"I-I can't sing?!"

"Course you can, c'mon." Keith smiles.

"Ugh." Lance huffs.

"Please." Keith pouts.

"Fine.." Lance sighs.

He picks up where he was humming.

I'd rather live outside
I'd rather chip my pride than lose my mind out here
Maybe I'm a fool
Maybe I should move
And settle, two kids and a swimming pool
I'm not brave (brave)
I'm not brave
I'm living over city
And taking in the homeless sometimes
Been living in an idea
An idea from another man's mind
Maybe I'm a fool
To settle for a place with some nice views
Maybe I should move
Settle down, two kids and a swimming pool
I'm not brave
I'd rather live outside
I'd rather live outside
I'd rather go to jail
I've tried hell
(It's a loop)
What would you recommend I do?
(And the other side of a loop is a loop)
This is not my life
It's just a fond farewell to a friend
It's just a fond farewell to a friend
This is not my life
It's just a fond farewell to a friend
It's not what I'm like
It's just a fond farewell (brave)
Speaking of Nirvana, it was there
Rare as the feathers on my dash from a phoenix
There with my crooked teeth and companions sleeping, yeah
Dreaming a thought that could dream about a thought
That could think of the dreamer that thought
That could think of dreaming and getting a glimmer of God
I be dreaming a dream in a thought
That could dream about a thought
That could think about dreaming a dream
Where I can not, where I can not
Less morose and more present
Dwell on my gifts for a second
A moment one solar flare would consume, so I nod
Spin this flammable paper on the film that my life
High flights, inhale the vapor, exhale once and think twice
Eat some shrooms, maybe have a good cry, about you
See some colors, light hangglide off the moon
I'd do anything for you
(In the dark)
I'd do anything for you
(In the dark)
I'd do anything for you
(In the dark)
I'd do anything for you
(In the dark)
I'd do anything for you, anything for you
(In the dark)
I'd do anything for you, anything for

"And you say you can't sing." Keith huffs.

"Shut up I can't."

"If I didn't have this mask on I'd kiss you."

"Do it anyways." Lance challenges.

Keith chuckles, pressing his lips against Lance's, clay mask rubbing onto Lance's face. Keith's hands tangled into Lance's hair.

Lance pulls away, huffing. He wipes at the part of the mask that got on his face.

"You told me to." Keith grins.

"Shut up." Lance huffs, popping a milkdud into his mouth.

"Gimme one."

Lance presses his lips to Keith's and pushes the candy from his mouth to Keith's, pulling away.

"Gross, but thanks." Keith laughs around the candy, sucking at the chocolate covered caramel.

"Rude." Lance laughs.

"Shut up. Can you wipe this off?"

"Mhm." Lance takes the wash cloth, wiping Keith's face down. Putting the rag into the bowl when he's done.

"Cuddles?"

"Sure." Lance smiles.

They move the candy and trash. Laying down, Keith spooning Lance. Lance ends up falling asleep, taking his binder off before he does. Thanks to Keith.

Keith was happy, calm. He'd talk to Shiro tomorrow. For now he'd live in the moment. Hand running through Lance's hair, the other wrapped around Lance's stomach.

He eventually falls asleep, not even waking to the door creaking open. Marco and Calliope whispering and taking pictures.

"You think they'll wake for dinner?"

"Probably not. Should we wake them when the time comes?" Calliope asks.

"Yeah. We'll make something nice."

"You will, I can't cook." Calliope laughs, closing the door.

"That's true, you tried to make spaghetti without water." Marco laughs.

"Oh hush it." Calliope snickers.

"I love you~" Marco coos, pressing his lips to Calliope's.

Calliope smiles and kisses back, pulling away a moment later.

"I love you too."

Chapter Text

Keith called Shiro when he got home, patiently waiting for an answer.

"What do you want?"  Shiro's voice was cold.

"I- come home. If I apologize over the phone it doesn't mean anything." Keith mutters

"I really don't wanna hear anymore of you saying what you said last week."

"Im not- I wasn't gonna say that shit anymore. Just please- come home."

"Im bringing Adam as well in case you make me cry again." Shiro sighs, ending the call without a bye.

Keith sighs and paces, the bandages on his fingers stopping him from chewing at the nails. He clenches his fists and unclenches them, breathing in and out. He had to calm down.

He heads to the living room and takes a seat in a chair. Leg bouncing insistently. The door opens and Shiro and Adam head into the living room. Taking a seat on the couch.

Adam was glaring at Keith, cold and bone chilling. It was a well deserved look. Shiro looked like he had been crying for days, nonstop.

"Say what you need to say." Shiro mutters.

"I- I know what I said was wrong now, in that moment I hadn't realized. It's just- you bring so many people into my life and expect me not to get attached, Matt barely talks to me anymore and it's upsetting because he and Katie are well- my best friends. I shouldn't have said that you aren't my brother, because you are. You're my brother no matter if there isn't a blood relation. You're also my best friend and my support system, you've had so many problems but yet you continue to support me over yourself. I need to support you and your relationships, its my turn to give back. So, Shiro- please, I love you." Keith's voice breaks, tears eventually falling down his cheeks.

Shiro is on his feet in seconds, leaning over to wrap his arms around Keith. Tears falling from his cheeks onto Keith's shirt. Sobs coming from both of them.

Keith repeats that he's sorry like mantra.

"I love you too, Keith." Shiro mumbles, rubbing at Keith's back.

They end up having a little 'family' dinner. Keith finally giving Adam a chance. Learning more about it. Apparently he worked at the Garrison, Keith shocked that he had never seen him.

"How the hell have I never seen you??" Keith raises an eyebrow.

"No clue, Keith. But I do have Pidge and Lance in one of my classes. Lance is- he's something." Adam chuckles.

"Sure is." Keith smiles, lovesick and dopey.

Shiro smiles, watching the two people he loves most talk and actually get along. Even if its only about Lance.

Later that night Keith and Lance skyped. Keith had literally just gotten out of the shower so his hair was soaked and he was only in boxers.

"You just get out the shower?" Lance asks, cheeks flushed slightly.

"Yeah, I didn't just wanna ignore your call or whatever."

"How'd it go with Shiro ?"

"He accepted my apology and uh Adam is gonna come over more."

"Adam?"

"He's one of your teachers, last name starts with a W."

"Oh! Mr.W! No one can pronounce his last name so he just uses W." Lance laughs.

"Yeah. So how's your day been?"

"Mm been good. I talked to Mamà , Ronny, and Luis. Oh! And Nyma , she called me earlier."

Keith chews on his cheek.

"That's nice. What'd you talk about with Nyma?"

"She said she misses me and hopes I come back soon. I told her I'd go back home at Christmas time."

"And with your mom?"

"Luis broke his arm. Again. Ronny has a girlfriend now! I didn't even know she was a lesbian, I was shocked all to hell. Mamà and Papi aren't doing to well, mamà is still pissed at him for kicking me out."

"He- pfft- broke his arm again?? " Keith laughs.

"Mhm! I can't believe it!" Lance laughs.

They sit there talking for hours. Marco and Calliope bringing Lance dinner in the middle of the call. Lance literally shoves 4 garlic knots into his mouth, basically moaning around them.

"Marco makes really good garlic knots and I envy him."  Lance says through a stuffed mouth.

That's 2 times Lance had moaned around Keith and it was really getting to him. Obviously he wasn't just gonna admit it. He was a guy, it happened y'know.

"You okay?" Lance tilts his head.

Heat rises to Keith's cheeks.

"F-fine! I'm fine!" Keith's voice shoots up an octave, cracking terribly. He cringes at it and covers his reddening face.

"You sure?" Lance asks.

"I'm fine, Lance." Keith mumbles. Trying to get the blush to go down.

"Okay,,"

Keith could suddenly remember the feeling of Lance's mouth hot around- nope not going there. He shudders and huffs.

"D-do you mind if I get- er god do you mind if I hang up? I'm getting tired?"

"Oh sure, te amo cariño, buenas noches."

"I love you too babe." Keith smiles, hanging up. He slams his laptop shut and shoves his hand under his boxers.

Lance was honestly confused. He texts Pidge.

>>> Pidge >>>

L: keith was acting shady

P: boner

L: whAT

P: probably got a boner
y'all fine he ain't gonna cheat if that's what you're worried about

L: nO SKDMMSMD
IM NOT WORRIED ABOUT THAT
IT'S JUST WOW

P: watch he'll text you again in a bit

L: he said he was going to bed

P: nah
that boy gonna nut to some mothman porn or smth

Pidge was right. Keith called back, claiming he couldn't sleep. His cheeks flushed.

"You need your adorable boyfriend to sleep?"

"Psh no."

"Mhm okay." Lance chuckles.

"Have you taken your binder off?"

Lance hums and nods.

"Yep, it's wash day for that thing."  Lance yawns, shoving his face into the hoodie he had received the day before.

"Tired?"

"Mhm."

"Then sleep you goof ball."

"I'm planning to, hush." Lance huffs, turning around, hiking a leg over an extra pillow. Holding it closely.

Keith rolls his eyes. Lance did have a nice ass, Keith wouldn't deny that. And really nice, soft thighs. Keith wanted to bury his head between them and-.

Keith shakes the thought and image out of his head. Sighing, he shoves his face into his pillow and eventually falls asleep. Blanket shucked up to his neck, nearly covering his head.

Tomorrow would be better. And hopefully more pg.

Chapter Text

Adam came over a lot more than Keith thought he would. It was a shock to him that he'd come over nearly every night. Although it was a good thing because Shiro couldn't cook for shit.

"Slow down Keith." Shiro laughs, watching his brother shove forkful after forkful of food into his mouth.

"Its so good!" Keith was nearly crying, his words coming out muffled.

"Don't talk with your mouth full."  Adam sighs.

Keith chokes and hits his chest with his balled up fist.

"Is- Adam is- oh my god he's choking." Shiro scrambles from his chair and rushes over to Keith.

Keith laughs and tips back in his chair, yelping when it falls over. Adam snickers and covers his mouth as giggles fall from it.

"Its not funny!" Shiro huffs, taking his seat.

"Oh but it totally is." Keith laughs, finally picking himself and his chair back up.

"Go call your boyfriend or something."

"Can I go over to his place? Lance and I wanted to watch a movie and hang out at the park."

"Yeah, be home by dinner tomorrow. Unless you wanna stay there two nights." Shiro shrugs.

"Ew. You're kicking me out." Keith grimaces.

"I- wha- Adam back me up here."

"No, Keith has the right idea." Adam laughs.

"Gross." Keith groans, leaving the table. 

"Have a good two days with Lance!! Don't do anything Shiro would!" Adam shouts.

Keith rolls his eyes, packing up some things. He quickly calls Lance.

"Hey."

"Hi, Shiro and Adam are kicking me out. Adult shit, y'know?"

"Gross. Come on over loser."

"Cool. Thanks."

"Love you."

"Love you too." Keith smiles even though Lance couldn't see.

"Have a safe walk." Shiro says as Keith walks out the door.

"No, I'll make sure I get ran over just because of that." Keith snorts, shutting the door behind him.

Keith pops in his earbuds and turns his music up all the way. He smiles when he sees the sun setting, beautiful hues on the horizon. It was times like this he wished he could paint well.

He takes a few quick pictures and continues his walk. Shoes hitting the cracked pavement, eyes ahead looking around. He's tempted to hum along to the music, or sing.

Deciding against it so he doesn't look weird, he walks faster and turns the corner. By the time he had reached Lance's it was dark as hell outside.

He shoots a text to Lance to tell him that he's here. He scrolls through instagram for a few minutes, not noticing Lance until he's suddenly knocked onto the grass.

The wind gets knocked out of him and he wheezes, taking his earbuds out.

"Hi!" Lance smiles.

"H-hey." Keith coughs.

"Sorry, I'm just really happy to see you! Do you like- do you wanna stay out here and look at the stars for a bit?"

"Sure."

"Cool." Lance smiles, rolling off Keith so he can lay on his back and look at the stars.

"Wait, Lance."

"Hmm?"

"Do you know how to dance?"

"Uhm not really." Lance mutters.

"That's alright, I'll teach you. Stand up." Keith smiles, shucking his backpack off as he stands up. He offers his hand to Lance.

Lance takes it and lets Keith pull him up.

"There's a song I wanna sing." Keith laughs softly.

"Gosh, maybe you're the loverboy." Lance chuckles.

"No, that's still you. Uhm- can I- can I put my hand on your hip?"

"Yeah."

Keith places his hand on Lance's hip and takes Lance's left hand.

"Put your other hand on my shoulder." Keith smiles.

"Okay." Lance whispers, he felt like if he talked too loud it would ruin the moment.

Keith clears his throat and starts singing.

"We've been dancing for so long under the stars
I feel as the grass will cut through my skin
All the pills we take have seem to prolong
Our existence but I don't feel alright
I would rather be alone than have you
Every time I speak I feel myself fall
Do you wish to find the truth in my lies
Sorry darlin there's no truth here
No

It's just the two of us, my dear
Listen to me don't you hear
I only fell for you
I only fell for you baby
Don't you let them see your fear
Promise not to shed a tear
I only fell for you
I only fell for you baby"

Lance had ended up crying, unable to continue dancing.

"I- did I so something wrong?"

"No! No- Keith it's- it's just too perfect! It doesn't feel real to have someone so- so- god so fucking perfect!" Lance sobs, burying his face into Keith's chest.

"I'm far from perfect." Keith mumbles, playing with Lance's hair.

"Shut up that's a lie. You- you're fucking gorgeous, you've got an amazing personality, you can sing and play guitar. You've just got the ability to make me feel calm no matter what and I- you're just perfect Keith." Lance mumbles.

"So are you."

"Doesn't feel like it."

"Lance, look at me."

Lance sighs, looking up at Keith.

Keith smiles and cups Lance's face, looking into his eyes. Soft, full of love.

"You're amazing. You're perfect too and whoever says you aren't is completely wrong. If you can't see how perfect you are then you're blind." Keith laughs softly.

Lance's cheeks flush and he tries to decide between looking away and kissing Keith.

Keith seems to make that decision for him, leaning down to capture his lips. Thumbing over the stray tears.

Lance smiles into the kiss. He was so happy, he wanted this moment to last forever. Wanted to stay in Keith's arms longer, but it was getting cold.

"We should head inside." Keith whispers.

"Yeah." Lance smiles.

Keith pulls away and grabs his backpack, slinging it over his shoulder. They head into the apartment building and to Lance's.

"Marco and Calliope are watching the breakfast club, do you wanna watch?" Lance asks.

"Yeah, sounds good."

"Cool because they're having and old movie marathon and I wanna watch with them but I didn't wanna 3rd wheel." Lance snorts, pulling Keith inside.

"Well look what the cat dragged in." Marco laughs.

"Hey Marco, Calliope." Keith smiles.

"Hey Keith." Calliope smiles.

Lance drags Keith to the couch and they sit down together. Curled up, Keith ends up falling asleep this time. Head resting atop Lance's.

"Look how cute he is." Lance whispers.

"He certainly is." Marco snorts.

Calliope elbows Marco which gets a flick to the head.

"You already know I'll fight back Cal' don't think about elbowing me again."

"Oh bite me." She laughs.

"Where?"

"Gross!" Lance shrieks.

Keith shoots up with a snort, clearly startled.

"I'm awake!" Keith grumbles, rubbing at his eyes.

Marco laughs along with Calliope and Lance.

"You're fine, Keith. Go back to sleep." Lance snorts.

"Mmkay." Keith mumbles, curling up to Lance like a cat.

Lance smiles and plays with Keith's hair. Dull nails scratching at his scalp.

Chapter Text

Lance woke up to Keith curled tightly around him, smile spreading across his face at the sight. It soon disappears when he realizes he had to use the bathroom.

"Hey, Keith." He mutters, shaking him lightly.

"Mm 10 more minutes Takashit." Keith grumbles.

"Keeeith!" Lance whines, shaking him harder.

Keith eventually tumbles off the bed, landing with a loud snort and thump. He sits up and his eyes fly open.

Lance rushes to the bathroom, slamming the door behind him. He whimpers when his stomach cramps.

"I thought this was over with.." Lance mumbles before calling for Calliope.

"You okay sweetie?" She asks from behind the door.

"Can you come in here?" Lance mumbles, crouched on the ground, cradling his stomach.

The door creaks open, Calliope stepping in.

"What's wrong hon'?"

"I thought this was over with." Lance mumbles.

"Oh dear, you wanna watch a movie on the couch? Order some pizza and eat ice cream?"

"No, I don't eat ice cream! I want this to be over!" Lance sobs, digging the heels of his palms against his eyes to try and stop his tears.

Keith is in the bathroom within seconds, pushing passed Calliope. He crouches down to Lance's level and pulls him into his arms, playing with his hair.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Keith whispers.

"Everything!" Lance hiccups.

"Well, how 'bout we curl up on the couch an' watch a movie? So I can take care of my Prince."

"I'm not a dann prince! They don't bleed like this! They don't cry over minor inconveniences. They have dicks, Keith!"

"I- Lance, I can't help if you don't let me."

"I don't want your fucking help! I want to be alone!" Lance growls, pulling away from Keith. He rushes back to his room, throwing Keith's bag into the hallway before he slams and locks his door.

Keith stares at the place where Lance just was. Hands shaking, he chews on the inside of his lip.

"Um- thank you Calliope, for letting me stay. He- uh he'll be okay, right?"

"He'll be fine, Keith. Don't worry, he didn't mean what he said, y'know."

"I know." Keith mumbles, standing up. He grabs his things from the hall and exits the apartment.

Keith holds back tears as he storms down the concrete, vision blurring. He growls and digs the heels of his palms into his eyes before he speeds up his pace.

"Are you okay?" Someone asks.

Keith shoves passed them, speed picking up to a sprint. Tears begin to fall, he stumbles as the ground below him blurs. He falls into the street, eyes widening as a blurry semi speeds his way.

He's yanked out of the street by someone. He pants and wipes at his tears. He looks up and scrambles back on the concrete, trying to get away from the person.

"Aren't you happy to see me, Kogane?"

"No! There's- no you can't- they- they caught you!" Keith shrieks.

"Afraid not. Tis a pity, I was going to pay Lance a visit. Did he dump your pathetic ass already?"

Keith stands up, picking his speed up again. Running across the street, he hears thundering steps behind him. His heart beating loudly in his ears.

This couldn't be real. It had to be a dream. Keith pants, running faster, barreling through the apartment building to his and Shiro's.

He busts the door open, falling into the floor. He kicks the door closed and quickly locks it. Staring wide eyed at the door, scrambling backwards.

"Keith?" Shiro asks.

"Don't unlock that door- Shiro- he- Lotor-" Keith feels bile rushing up his throat. He runs to the bathroom, nearly falling over a rug. He heaves and coughs as vomit spills from his lips.

He clutches the toilet, panting, sweat dripping down his forehead. He was delirious, he could hear Lotor's laugh. The last thing he hears before he passes out.

He wakes up an hour later in his bed, drenched in sweat, yet he was freezing.

"Hey kiddo." Shiro smiles.

"What- uurgh- what happened?"

"I should be asking you that. You came home freaking out about Lotor."

"I- he yanked me out of the road- I swear he did. I- I fell because I was crying- Shiro what the hell?"

"You've got a fever, we wanted to wait for you to wake up until we took you to the hospital." Adam mutters.

"I- no I can't be sick. Shiro, Lance needs me!" Keith sits up, immediately regretting it. He groans and lays back down, vision spotty.

"Hey, just lay down. Adam, get him some water."

Adam nods and exits the room.

"Why were you crying?"

"I- Lance-"

"Did he break up with you??"

"No, Shiro. He just- urrgh- periods, he didn't want me there."

"Well its kind of understandable, Keith. You shouldn't get upset because of that. I know you just wanna be there for him, but sometimes people do need a bit of space." Shiro smiles

Keith nods.

"Get me a bucket.." He mutters, feeling sick all the sudden.

Shiro rushes to get the trashcan out of the bathroom, running back in just in time.

Keith heaves and clutches the bin, panting. Adam comes back in with water and a cool rag.

"Hey, you feel better?"

"Hell no." Keith rasps, taking the water. He takes a sip and lays back down.

"We should get you to the hospital."

"No."

"Keith, dont even start arguing." Shiro sighs.

"Please don't make me go."

"You don't have a choice."

Keith groans and throws an arm over his eyes. Today sucked.

When they get to the hospital they wait for a bit before they get taken to the back. Keith laying on the white bed, bright light nearly blinding him.

"Hello, I'm your nurse, Reya. What's bothering you today?"

"Uh- nausea, fever, cold chills, stomach pain."

"Mmhm. Well, I'm going to go ahead and take some blood and the doctor will be in shortly." She smiles, gathering the things she needs before padding over to Keith.

"He- he's not good with needles, be careful." Shiro warns.

Reya sends a smile over to Shiro.

"I can handle a brat like him." She says jokingly.

"Haha." Keith mutters.

She ties the tourniquet around Keith's upperarm and cleans the crook of his elbow. She readys the butterfly needle and holds Keith's arm.

"Stay still."

Keith rolls his eyes, looking away as the nurse sticks the needle into his skin. He whimpers and chews on the inside of his cheek. He didn't understand how Lance could stick himself in the thigh all the time.

The doctor comes in shortly after Reya leaves. He sits on the stool and slides over, taking Keith's temperature.

"Are you two the parents, or?"

"I'm his brother." Shiro mutters.

"Ah." The doctor nods, blue gloved hands grabbing the thermometer.

"101.2° I'm going to push down on your abdomen, I need you to tell me if it hurts." The doctor starts on the left side, slowly traveling over.

Keith shoots up in pain when he reaches the right side. He whimpers and shoves the doctors hand away.

"We'll wait for the blood test results, give us a few moments and I'll get back to you."

"Shiro 'm dyin' ain't I?" Keith drawls.

"No, you're not dying Keith." Shiro snorts.

"It's probably appendicitis." Adam mutters.

Keith ends up having to get his appendix removed. The doctor telling him to rest for at least 10-15 days. He also prescribes some pain medicine.

"Pidge I'm dying." Keith mumbles, still slightly high from the anaesthesia.

"Youre fine, Keith." Pidge laughs.

"Nuh uh- holy- pidge it's mothman."

Pidge busts out laughing at this point.

"Shh!! You'll scare him!" Keith hisses, eyes as wide as saucers.

"Man, get some sleep."

"Im not tired!"

"Yeah sure. Lay down and get nice and warm under your blankets, Keithy."

"Ugghh." Keith groans, hanging up, he stalks over to his bed and resists the urge to throw himself on it. He carefully gets in bed and curls up.

He missed Lance. It felt empty and cold without him. He missed his voice, his scent, his touch. He groans and tries to sleep.

Hours later he was still wide awake, staring at the ceiling. He nearly crawls out of his skin when the Skype tone goes off. He grabs his phone and answers.

Voice raspy and scratchy.

"Hello?"

"Did I wake you?"

"No, I couldn't sleep. Now my pain meds are wearing off." Keith mumbles.

"Meds?"

"'m sick. Well, was. Appendicitis." Keith mumbles.

"Oh my God. Are you okay?"

"'m fine, how're you?"

"Doesn't matter."

Keith yawns, hearing Lance's voice put him at ease.

"I can hang up if you're tired."

"No!" Keith says a bit too loud.

"No- please, keep talking."

"Uhh, okay?" 

Lance talks about his family until he hears Keith snoring slightly. He smiles to himself and wishes Keith sweet dreams before going to sleep himself.

Chapter Text

Keith's stitches had finally come out and he was safe to do things. He chambers out of bed and hastily gets dressed.

>>>Lance>>>

K: meet me at the coffee place
asap

L: uhh
okay?

Keith hitches a ride from Adam who is on his way out to work.

"You going on a date?" Adam teases.

"Yeah yeah." Keith hops out of the car while it's stopping. Slams the door behind him and rushes to the flower shop across the street. Cheesy, yes, but it was their 6 month and Keith wanted something special.

Lance was right, Keith was a closeted hopeless romantic. He loved to make the most of things.

He buys two roses and rushes back across the street. Nearly getting hit as he hops over the curb.

He takes a seat and waits for Lance. Leg bouncing, fingers tapping against the table.

"This seat taken?" A familiar voice asks.

Keith chuckles and looks up.

"Not at all."

"Surely a man like you wouldn't be here all alone."

"Mm I'm not now that you're here." Keith smiles.

"How sweet." Lance snorts, sitting down. He reaches across the table and takes Keith's hands.

"6 months and hopefully many more to go." Keith whispers, pulling his hands away so he can hand Lance the roses sat in his lap.

"See! You are a hopeless romantic!" Lance laughs.

"Yeah yeah. You feelin' better since last time I saw you?"

"Mhm, thighs a bit sore from my shot though."

"Want me to kiss it better." Keith teases.

Lance's face immediately turns red and he tries to hide it.

"Maybe later." Lance mumbles under his breath.

"Hmm?"

"I said let's get coffee!" Lance squeaks from behind his hands.

"I'll get it. Cafe con leche?"

"Yeah, thank you." Lance smiles.

Keith orders his and Lance's regulars as well as a couple cookies.

He grab the things off the counter and heads back to the table.

"Here you go babe." Keith hands Lance the coffee, taking a seat.

"Thanks cariño."

They chat idly for an hour before they decide to go to Keith's.

"So what uh- what do you wanna do?" Keith asks, lounging on the couch. Lance sitting with his legs resting over Keith's thighs.

"Netflix?"

"Mary and the witch's flower?" Keith tilts his head.

"Sure." Lance smiles.

Halfway through the movie Lance had made his way closer to Keith. Head tucked in the crook of his neck. Keith's arm wrapped around his waist, hand wresting on his thigh.

Lance presses butterfly kisses up Keith's neck. Light and feathery until he reaches Keith's lips.

"Mm what are you doin'?" Keith drawls.

"Nothin'" Lance snorts, pressing a kiss to Keith's lips.

Keith smiles and kisses back, thumb rubbing circles against Lance's hip.

Lance hums and kisses with more force, tongue brushing over Keith's bottom lip.

Keith pulls away, cheeks flushed.

"Lance?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you- are you sure?"

"Yes." Lance mutters, pressing his lips back to Keith's.

Keith hauls Lance into his lap and holds onto the back of his thighs. He bites lightly at Lance's bottom lip.

Lance shudders and lets out a soft sigh, parting his lips. Hands cupping Keith's face, he hums.

"I love you." Keith whispers against Lance's lips.

"Mm I love you too." Lance smiles, resting his forehead against Keith's.

Keith cups Lance's face, kissing him again. It quickly becomes heated, Lance gasping when Keith kisses down his neck. Teeth grazing the skin.

"Keith~" Lance moans, eyes widening as his cheeks flush bright red.

Keith stops, hands shaking against Lance's lower back.

"I- uh- shit." The movie had long been stopped. Silence heavy in the room.

"We- uh we got carried away, huh?" Lance chuckles.

"Oh uhm y-yeah." Keith stutters, Lance sure as hell could feel the hard on he was sporting. There was no way he couldn't.

Lance clears his throat, awkwardly clambering off of Keith.

"Should I- should I leave?"

"Uh- i- I dont know? Do you want to leave?"

"N-not particularly. P-plus- m-my thigh still hurts and you said y-you'd kiss it better." Lance mumbles, cheeks flaming.

"Oh did I now?" Keith chuckles.

Lance huffs, crossing his arms over his chest.

Keith crawls over to Lance, placing his hands on either side of his head. He sits himself on Lance's lap.

"Do you want me to kiss it better?" Keith whispers, soft kisses along his jaw. Teeth nipping lightly.

Lance lets out a shaky breath and tilts his head to the side, revealing more skin.

"Y-yes."

"Then we should head to my room." Keith mumbles.

Lance chews on his bottom lip. His hormones were driving him crazy and he wanted Keith yet he didn't want to undress at all.

"Just- if I say stop please-"

"Lance I would never do something you wholeheartedly wouldn't want." Keith smiles, looking Lance in the eyes.

"I want to but- I just- Keith I-"

"Shh you don't have to explain. We can just cuddle and watch movies."

"But you've got to be uncomfortable." Lance huffs, gesturing toward the bulge in Keith's pants.

"Sure I'm uncomfortable but I dont want you to be uncomfortable with anything." Keith sighs.

"I'm not uncomfortable per say I'm just- ugh- my body."

"Your body is just fine Lance and I would love to show you that. Even with all that shit you're still a man. You're my strong and handsome prince." Keith smiles.

"Cheesy ass." Lance laughs lightly.

They do end up heading to Keith room. Keith turning music on quite loudly. The neighbourhood plays through the speakers, crackling slightly.

Vacancy was lit, the guests were checking in
The concierge was cold,
The water pipes had mold all over them
The room was fit for two,
The bed was left in ruins
The neighbor was knocking, yeah
But no one would let him in

Shirts had been shed, Keith's hands were splayed across Lance's back. Lips moving along his neck, teeth scraping along the skin. Soft moans filled the room along with the music.

Touch me, yeah
I want you to touch me there
Make me feel like I am breathing
Feel like I am human

Keith chuckles at the lyrics, breath fanning along Lance's throat.

"Where should I touch?" Keith whispers, breathless, raspy.

"Anywhere- god just keep your hands on me." Lance sounded wrecked and they hadn't even started.

Keith brings his hands down from Lance's back to his upper and inner thighs. He pushes them apart and settles himself between them.

"This okay?"

"Yes, Keith. Let me-" Lance trails off, grabbing at the bottom of his binder.

Lance laughs when he gets stuck.

"Need help?" Keith snorts.

"Yeah." Lance mumbles. Sure he felt self conscious and could feel dysohoria wrapping his mind but he wasnt going to let it ruin things. Not now.

Keith helps Lance from his binder and smiles.

"Did I ever tell you how handsome you truly are?"

"Mhm all the time."

"Cause you are." Keith whispers, kissing down Lance's neck. Licking and biting at his collarbones.

Lance lets out a soft noise, arching into the touch.

Dancing through the night
A vodka and a sprite
A glimpse of the silhouettes
A night that they never forget

"Wait, Keith."

Keith pulls away, ready to help Lance back into his binder if needed.

"Yeah?"

"Shirt- take your shirt off." Lance breathes.

Keith chuckles and tugs his shirt off, tossing it to the side.

Lance shudders and runs his fingers over the exposed skin. Scars along Keith's body.

"Where'd they come from?"

"They uh- they're from me." Keith whispers, chewing at his cheek.

"Oh.."

"Yeah."

"You're still beautiful."

"Thank you."

"Now let me-"

"Keith?!" Shiro's voice was loud. It had to be, Keith's music was blaring.

Keith's eyes widen same as Lance's. Lance grabs one of Keith's hoodies shoving it over his head.

"We'll have to do this at my place when Marco and Calliope are at work." Lance whispers, hiding his shirt and binder.

Keith slips on a shirt and turns down the music before his bedroom door opens.

"Why was the music so loud? Hey Lance."

"Because I wanted the music loud?"

Touch me, yeah
I want you to touch me there
Make me feel like I am breathing
Feel like I am human

Shiro squints, a face that Keith knew well. The doubtful dad look.

"Shiro I swear I just wanted my music loud."

"Well keep it down. We've got neighbors y'know."

"Sorry Shiro."

The door closes.

Lance laughs, falling back onto the bed.

"You're still between my thighs!" Lance laughs louder.

"Oh my God! No wonder he gave me the look™" Keith snickers.

"Mhm. Maybe I could give you a taste of your own medicine." Lance chuckles, referring to the splotchy bruises blossoming on his neck.

"Mm maybe." Keith chuckles.

Lance and Keith switch positions, Lance straddling Keith's waist as he attaches his lips to Keith's neck.

Teeth grazing the skin. Sucking and biting bruises into the pale unblemished skin.

Chapter Text

Shiro had ended up leaving with Adam sometime in the middle of the night. Which was honestly not the best idea.

"Mm my lips hurt." Lance whines.

"Awe poor baby." Keith teases.

"Shut."

"Hmm you want anything to eat?"

"Sure." Lance shrugs.

"Are chips okay? I can't really cook." Keith snorts.

"Mhm thats fine."

Keith gets out of bed and heads to the kitchen. He grabs a bag of chips and two water bottles before heading back to his room.

"Its oddly quiet in here." Keith mutters to himself as he closes his bedroom door.

"Huh?"

"Its quiet." Keith says again, sitting at the edge of his bed.

"Wanna watch a movie then?"

"I guess."

They turn on some random movie. Keith wasn't very interested in it, some weird romance movie. He never was one for romcoms.

Lance didn't seem interested either. He was just staring blankly at the screen and eating chips.

"Hey."

"Hi."

"Im bored." Keith whines.

"'m sorry." Lance mumbles.

"Why?"

"Cause you're bored."

"Mm its fine." Keith chuckles.

Lance presses a kiss to Keith's jaw.

"My thigh may not be sore anymore but you can still kiss it better." Lance teases.

"I- are you- are you sure?"

"Positive." Lance smiles.

"Lance I don't- I dont want you to feel as if we have to do these things. I don't want us to rush into things if you-"

Lance presses his lips to Keith's then pulls away.

"You saying these things shows me you care and you aren't going to leave me as soon as we get done. I trust that if I ask you to stop you will. I love you Keith, and I'm ready for this. You have my consent, do I have yours?"

Keith nods.

"I need you to say it." Lance laughs softly.

"Yes- Lance, yes you have my consent."

"Good." Lance smiles.

"Are we- Lance, are we going all the way?"

"If you want."

"Do you want to?"

Lance bites his bottom lip, cheeks flushing. He turns his face to avoid eye contact and nods.

"Dont be embarrassed- Lance I've been wanting to for a while." Keith mutters.

"R-really? Even though- even though my body is like-"

"Shut up. I don't care about that. I care about you, I love you."

"O-okay we uh- hah- we need protection."

"Shiro should have some."

"I'll be here."

Keith gets out of bed, heading to Shiro's room. He roots through the side table and finds a box of condoms. He chews on his lip, hoping they're the right size.

Keith closes the drawer and pads back to his room, closing and locking the door behind him.

"I- I really hope this is the right size." Keith mumbles, cheeks flushed.

"Test it out." Lance shrugs.

"Close- close your eyes."

"Ill see you anyways." Lance snorts.

"J-just close your eyes." Keith huffs, waiting til Lance closes his eyes to turn around.

He slips his pants and boxers off, wrapping his hand around his cock. Pumping it a couple times so it hardens, letting out quiet huffs.

He opens the condom and rolls it on his length. He snorts and covers his mouth.

"Shiro or Adam must have a little dick."

"What? Oh my god- is it too small?"

"Y-yeah." Keith stutters.

"Do- do you want me to go buy one?"

"Should I go with you?" Keith asks, rolling the condom off. He slips his pants and boxers back up before turning around.

"Unless you can hide that."

"Ill just have to tuck it in my waist band." Keith shrugs.

"Ow?"

Keith shrugs, turning away. He tuck his cock into the waist band of his boxers.

"Okay- lets go then." Lance gets up from Keith's bed.

They awkwardly go buy a condom. The lady at the counter giving them a weird look.

Lance tugs Keith up the stairs of the apartment and back into Keith's room. Keith chuckles and pushes Lance lightly against the wall, tugging his head aside.

"Marco is gonna kill us." Lance laughs.

"Yeah." Keith snorts, marking up Lance's neck.

Lance shudders, tilting his head to reveal more of his neck. He moans when Keith sucks at his pulse point.

Keith chuckles against his neck. Hands tight on Lance's hips, teeth dragging against his neck.

"Keith~" Lance whines.

Keith pulls away, slipping his hands down to the back of Lance's thighs. He hauls him up, wrapping Lance's legs around his waist.

"God- you- you could seriously benchpress me." Lance laughs.

"Mmhm." Keith snorts, pressing his lips to Lance's.

Lance kisses back, fingers tangling into Keith's hair. He tugs at the roots of his hair and kisses harder.

Keith groans against Lance's lips, shoving him against the wall harder.

"Lance- fuck." Keith pants.

"Turn the music- Keith turn the music back on."

Keith nods, letting Lance down. He turns the music back up, words crackling through the speakers.

Lance pushed Keith onto his bed, straddling his waist.

"Where were we~?" Lance teases, fingers dancing at the bottom of his hoodie.

"Mm before we were interrupted by Shiro?"

"Mhm~"

"I think we both had our shirts off, yeah?"

"Yeah." Lance chuckles, slipping the hoodie off.

Keith's breath hitches and his fingers twitch. What was he supposed to do with his hands.

"Touch me." Lance mutters.

"W-where?"

Lance chuckles again, breathy. He grabs Keith's hands and places them on his waist.

"That is your decision." He smiles, cocky and lopsided.

Keith trails his fingers up, dragging them lightly across Lance's skin making him squirm.

"If it's my choice then I suggest you take your pants off so I can mark and kiss those pretty thighs of yours."

Lance shudders at the tone in Keith's voice. Pure unadulterated lust. He nods and slips off of Keith.

Shucking off his pants, he then tosses them to the side. He felt exposed.

"Take yours off too."

Keith nods, slipping from his shirt and pants.

Lance sits back on top of Keith, running his fingers along the scars littering his skin.

"Don't do this again." Lance whispers.

"I- I can't promise you that."

"Please."

"I can't.." Keith mutters.

"Just- try, okay?"

"Okay." Keith smiles, pushing Lance off.

"Where you going?"

"Cant kiss your thighs if you're on me." Keith chuckles.

"Oh." Lance lets out, soft.

Keith smirks and situates himself between Lance's legs. Teeth grazing the skin, tongue running over the supple flesh.

Lance's breath hitches and he shudders at the sensation.

"This the shot?" Keith mumbles.

"Mhm."

Keith kisses at it, smiling.

Lance smiles and looks down at Keith. His heart stops and then speeds up with Keith looks up at him. Tongue sliding up his inner thigh.

"Fuck, Keith~" Lance groans.

Keith chuckles.

"That what you want?"

Lance's cheeks flush.

"Y-yes."

"Be patient."

"Please?" Lance breathes.

Keith's cheeks flush, pulling his bottom lip between his teeth.

"Fine." Keith huffs.

30 minutes later Keith collapses next to Lance. Chest heaving.

Lance's face was bright red. The two of them curled under the blankets.

"T-that- wow-" Lance whispers, voice hoarse.

"Yeah.." Keith pants, kissing Lance's forehead.

Keith's bedroom door opens and Keith's eyes widen.

Shiro stands there for a minute, processing. He then curses and slams the door.

Lance's face flushed dark red.

"Shit." They both mutter.

Chapter Text

Shiro had ended up driving Lance home, an extremely awkward ride at that.

"Uhh- thanks?" Lance gives an awkward smile.

"Yep.." Shiro mutters, not making eye contact.

Lance steps out of the car and rushes to Marco's apartment. He slams the front door closed behind him and winces. Running wasn't a wise idea.

His hips hurt like a bitch.

"Where have you been?" Calliope gasps.

"Keith's?" Lance wheezes.

"We've tried calling you! I thought you were coming home after your- what the hell is on your neck?!" Marco trails off, shouting the last part.

"I- uhh- would you believe me if I said I'm having an allergic reaction?" Lance laughs nervously.

"Cal' can you give us a moment?" Marco sighs.

"Yeah, I'll be in the room." She smiles, exiting the living room.

Lance takes a seat on the couch and bounces his leg.

"Please tell me you didn't." Marco mutters.

"And if I did?"

"Lance, please just- tell me you didn't."

"I did! Okay?"

"Did you- god- did you use protection?"

"Of course I did!"

"Oh thank God. Keith didnt force you did he?"

"No! God- no, Marco!"

Marco lets out a breath of relief.

"I'll- Lance is this going to be a regular thing? Should I get you things?"

"I-I dont know?"

"I- uh I'll get things just in case then." Marco sighs.

"Can I go to bed now?"

"I suppose."

Keith got tore into.

"Keith what the hell?!" Shiro shouts, slamming the front door.

"What?" Keith huffs, arms crossed over his chest.

"You're only 17! What the hell were you thinking?! Lance can get pregnant- you- urrh! Keith I can't with you!" Shiro shouts.

"We used a condom."

"Thats not enough! What if there was a hole? What it I broke? Keith, you cant rush head first into these things!"

"You do it." Keith mumbles.

"I am an adult! You aren't, Keith."

"Im at the legal age of consent, and I'll be 18 in a month then I can get out of your hair. You care about yourself and thats all!"

"I- I care about myself? I ONLY CARE ABOUT MYSELF?! Keith I didnt have to fucking take you in! I didn't have to let you live here! I didnt have to drop out of college and take up 3 jobs to cover the bills! AND I CARE ONLY ABOUT MYSELF?!" Shiro scoffs, anger showing in his body language and face.

"Why are we even talking about this? Weren't you just grilling me about sex?"

"You're the one who turned it into this. I'll get Lance the morning after pill and you'll take it to him tomorrow then you march your ass home and you are grounded!" Shiro growls, shoving passed Keith. He heads to his room and slams the door.

Keith sighs, heading to his room.

>>>Lance>>>

K: so I'm grounded
uhh Shiro is gonna buy the morning after pill for you
and he wants me to bring it to you so
uh yeah

L: he seriously grounded you again?

K: yeah
i blew things out of proportion a bit anyways
i told him he only cares about himself which was stupid and irrelevant and he got pissed

L: im sorry cariño

K: its fine, kitten

L: that nickname again?

K: do you not like it?

L: i do

K: then i'll keep calling you it
remember when you called me red?

L: course i do rojo

K: what uh
what were you saying while we were,, y'know

L: ,,,
nothing

K: c'mon lancey lance

L: fuck you

K: when

L: uHHhH
i tHINK MARCO IS CALLING ME
B Y E

Lance's cheeks flush bright red, bottom lip tugged between his teeth. He remembers the feeling of Keith's teeth dragging over his shoulder. Keith's fingertips dancing along his heated skin.

Lance shudders, running his hands over the places Keith had touched. His phone rings by the time he's got his hand in his pants. He groans and pulls it out, breathless, he answers the call.

"Hello?"

"Oh- is this- is this a bad time?" Nyma asks.

"Nyma! Hi! No this is fine!" Lance sits up, fingers curled around his cell tightly.

"You just- you sounded like- nevermind. How are you? Your voice has gotten deeper, its sounds good."

"Ah- thanks. Uhm, I'm good. How are you?"

"Im good. What'd you do today?"

Lance chuckles nervously.

"I- uh- Keith and I hung out."

"Oh really? You two a thing now?"

"Six months today." Lance smiles.

"So what'd y'all do?"

Lance laughs nervously, fiddling with his blanket even though Nyma couldn't see him.

"Oh my god! You sly dog!" Nyma gasps.

"Shut up!" Lance huffs.

"So how was it?"

"Ny'!" Lance squeaks.

"Oh c'mon I'm just trying to see if he's treating you like a king."

"Pfft- uh we went to the café here and he bought me some flowers. Then we went to his house and watched netflix for a while. Uh- heh- making out while watching Mary and the Witch's flower was interesting. But- it- uh the sex was good. He was slow and kept asking if I was okay. He's- Nyma, he's so nice. He's the prince charming I wished for in elementary." Lance laughs, wiping at tears.

"Are you crying?"

"Yeah.." Lance laughs softly before it develops into sobs.

"Hey,, you don't need to cry, Lance.".

"What if he realizes how disgusting I am- Ny' what if he leaves me?"

"Then he's a blind asshole. Lance, he won't leave you. If he just wanted sex he wouldn't have been so caring with you. Believe me when I say you're amazing and anyone who'd do that is a fool."

"Its just- everyone sees me as someone else but I- I can't get over Lana.. Ny' it's so hard to get over that part of me. Im always going to know what I look like under all of it. I'm always gonna know how I looked before all of this." Lance mutters, weeping. He digs his nails into his upper arms.

"Lance, you are who you are. Lana is a thing of the past- hell Lana didn't even exist. You were always Lance, from birth. You should see how everyone else views you. For me you're amazing, brave, a- heh- a wonderful kisser, you're so much more than you know. You're funny, sweet, handsome. You are Prince Charming."

Lance hiccups and curls into himself further.

"I- I'm- I'm gonna go-" Lance whispers, pressing the end call button. He tugs his blanket over his head and shoves his face into his sheets.

Loud sobs being muffled by the mattress. He's basically screaming at this point, hands ripping at his hair. Scratching over parts he knew didn't belong. He wanted to rip his skin away.

Tear it all away and leave the scraps for vultures and other scavengers. He was hopeless. He bites into his fist to try and stop his crying, shouting when his teeth dig in too far.

Blood beads and runs down it. He uses the same fist to punch the headboard of his bed. Blood sticking to the pearl colored board.

He does it again and again. Screaming when he hears a crack. That's when Marco and Calliope both rush into Lance's room.

"Lance?!" Marco shouts.

Lance cradles his hand blood from his knuckles on the headboard and his lips. He whines and whimpers. Kicking at Marco when he tries to reach out and touch him.

"OUT! GET OUT!" Lance screams, kicking Marco in the stomach, tears blurring his vision.

Marco doubles over, clutching his stomach.

"Marco- he wants to be alone c'mon.." Calliope mutters, pulling him out of the room.

It takes 2 hours for Lance to calm down. Even then he's still upset. He eventually falls asleep, a few final tears slipping down his cheeks.

Both his lips and eyes were puffy from crying. His hand ached, but he didn't care. It was something and right then he needed it.

Chapter Text

Lance wakes up in the afternoon, fist aching. He groans and cradles the bruised and swollen hand. He stumbles out of bed and out of his room.

"Marco?" Lance whimpers.

"Living room."

Lance pads to the living room, fist clutched to his chest. His eyes puffy from crying, lips bitten and chapped.

"Hey." Calliope gives a small smile.

"Sorry- uh sorry about last night." Lance mutters.

"It's fine." Marco smiles.

"Should we wrap your hand?" Calliope asks.

"Uh yeah probably. Nyma was talking to me last night- and I just- I broke? Its like- I'll always know what I was before this, I'll always know what's under this-" Lance pauses, tugging at his binder.

"I'll always be Lana inside. I just- I want to be- I want to be okay. What- god what if Keith leaves me? I seriously dont know what I'd do without him. Marco- I-I love him so much." Lance was crying again, shoving the heels of his palms against his eyes to try and stop the tears.

Marco is quick to get on his feet and pull Lance into a hug, being careful of Lance's hurt hand.

"Lance, he's not gonna leave you hermano. I promise you, he loves you. I can tell with how he looks at you, especially when he thinks no one is paying attention. I don't think he would leave you, now lets get that hand wrapped and ice it. Yeah?"

Lance nods, wiping at his tears.

"Cal' can you go get the first aid kit?" Marco mutters, pulling Lanfe to the couch.

"Mhm."

Calliope comes back and carefully wraps Lance's hand. Marco places an ice pack on it and they end up watching a movie.

Near dinner which was around 7 because Marco was being lazy, a knock sounds at the door. Lance excuses himself to go answer it.

As soon as he does, Keith is there. Stumbling a bit, soaked with rain. He reeked of alcohol and weed. He had a bruise blossoming on his right eye as well as a deep cut cut up his cheek.

"Keith?!"

"Mm shh shh- Adam 'n Shiro will hear you." Keith mumbles falling against Lance.

"Marco!" Lance shouts, holding Keith up. He shudders when Keith kisses at his neck sloppily.

He huffs and pushes Keith's face away. Marco had made his way to the front door.

"What-" Marco is immediately hit with the smell of alcohol and weed, nose turning up at it.

"Marco what do we do?" Lance whimpers, shifting on his feet.

"He needs water." Marco mutters.

Lance snorts when he hears loud snoring, he shuffles to the couch with Keith drapped over his shoulder. Carefully sitting down with Keith.

"Mm Lance?" Keith drawls, nuzzling his nose against Lance's neck.

"Keith- pfft- stop!" Lance laughs.

Marco and Calliope come back, Calliope holding a glass of water, Marco calling someone.

"Marco who are you calling?"

"Shiro?" Marco raises an eyebrow.

"What?! No! Shiro will kill him."

"Yeah and if we don't call him he'll worry. So I have to." Marco sighs at the tone of the answering machine. He hangs up and calls again.

Calliope hands Lance the glass of water and he holds it to Keith's lips.

"Hey, cariño. Take slow drinks for me." Lance whispers, kissing his forehead. 

"Mm anythin' for you, darlin'" Keith slurs, taking a sip of the water.

Lance wanted to laugh at Keith's accent poking through, but he holds it back.

"Hello?" Marco asks.

"Uhh- hello?"

"Is this Takashi?"

"This is his boyfriend, Adam. Who are you?"

"Marco, Lance's brother. Uhm- we- we have Keith here? He's- he's heavily intoxicated, so I think- I think we'll keep him here for tonight so you two don't have to cancel your plans."

"Oh- uh- 'Kashi, Lance's brother is on the phone."

"Oh god- is- is Keith there?!"

"Yeah,, Sir, he's heavily intoxicated. If it's alright by you I'd like to keep him here so you two dont have to get out and cancel your plans or whatever."

"That's fine.. He's getting his ass chewed when he gets home. Thank you, Marco, we'll get him tomorrow morning."

"You- you're very pretty- your eyes are like- mmm they're like little- hehe they're swimmin' pools." Keith laughs.

Lance snorts and rolls his eyes.

"You drink your water."

"You gots it pretty boy." Keith takes another drink.

Lance chuckles, pressing a kiss to Keith's forehead. He runs his fingers through Keith's hair.

Keith hums and nuzzles into it, revelling in the feeling.

"Keith, how you feeling honey?" Calliope asks, voice soft as she sits down next to him and Lance.

"Mm feel- feel good. Real good." Keith smiles, eyes hooded.

"Babe.." Keith thinks he whispers.

"Hmm?"

"Can we go- hhnn- your room?"

"'course cariño." Lance smiles.

"I don't think that's a good idea, Lance." Marco warns, crossing his arms over his chest.

"It'll be fine, Marco. I can take care of him." Lance huffs, setting the water down before he helps Keith off the couch.

Lance winces when he hears Keith gag. Marco is quick to help Keith to the bathroom. Lance follows and holds Keith's hair back.

Keith empties the contents of his stomach into the toilet. Hands clutching the toilet as he heaves and pants.

They clean Keith's cut along his cheek and bandage it. Lance pressing a soft kiss to it.

Lance uses his other hand to rub Keith's back, whispering softly to him.

After that they help Keith to Lance's room, Calliope bringing a bucket and the glass of water along with some Advil.

Keith passes out at soon as his head hits Lance's pillow. Lance rolls Keith onto his sides and waves Calliope and Marco out, closing the door after they leave.

Lance hums and takes his shirt and binder off. Slipping into a hoodie, careful of his hand. He keeps his sweatpants on and crawls in bed, spooning Keith.

The next morning Keith groans, cradling his head as he sits up. Lance's arms tight around his waist. He eyes the Advil and water and unwraps Lance's arms from him, spotting his wrapped hand.

Lance groans and huffs, using his good hand to sit up.

"Hey.." Keith mutters.

"Hi." Lance smiles.

"What happened to your hand?" Keith asks as he grabs the water and Advil, taking two. He quickly drinks the water and chases the pills down.

"I uh- I bit into it then punched my headboard a bunch of times."

"Why??"

"Nyma called me. We got to talking about- about things and I got upest. Its no big deal." Lance shrugs, slipping out of bed.

He shrugs his shirt off and grabs his binder from the floor.

"Can you help me?" Lance asks shyly.

"'Course." Keith stands up, padding over to Lance. He helps him into his binder then spins him around. A playful smirk on his lips.

"Pfft- what are you doing?" Lance laughs.

"What you don't wanna dance with me?" Keith chuckles, swaying with Lance.

"Of course I do." Lance smiles, leaning into Keith.

"Mm do I get a kiss?"

"Nope, you're smelly. You nearly vomited on me last night."

"Oh- I-I'm sorry."

"So you gonna tell me why you show up at my door around 8pm drunk and high with a cut up your cheek?"

"I- no?"

"You gotta tell me c'mon."

"I was an ass to Shiro once again. I felt bad, okay?"

"So you apologize, not drown your liver. How much did you drink anyways?"

"Like- like a bottle?"

"A bottle of?"

"Shiro's good wine..."

"Oh my God." Lance snorts, pulling Keith to the bed.

"Shh don't remind me."

"And the cut?"

"I guess I got in a fight on the way here and someone cut me." Keith shrugs.

"Oh my- Keith you bad boy." Lance teases, laughing.

"Whatever." Keith huffs.

"Broody boy." Lance chuckles, pressing a soft kiss to his jaw.

"Mmph don't do that."

"Awe why not?"

"Because it feels nice."

"Mhm. So, you think my eyes look like little swimming pools~" Lance snickers.

"Oh my God- what else did I say."

"Not much darlin'~" Lance exaggerates the southern accent, chuckling afterwards.

"I dont sound like that." Keith whines.

"You called me pretty boy." Lance smiles.

"Cause you are pretty."

"See! You do sound like that! Cause you are pretty." Lance mocks a heavy southern accent.

"Shut up!" Keith whines.

"You'll have to make me darlin'~" Lance snorts.

Keith growls and smashes his lips against Lance's. Lance's eyes widen before they flutter shut, hand wresting upon Keith's cheek.

"I love you." They both whisper against each others lips.

Chapter Text

The cutesy dancing didn't last much longer. Keith's phone rang from Lance's desk.

"I- I better answer that." Keith mutters, padding over to it. He picks it up and places it to his ear after pressing the accept button.

"Ill be there in 20 minutes. We'll be having a long talk and you'll be grounded longer."

And the call ends.

Keith sighs and sets it down.

"Guess we'd better make the most of the 20 minutes cause I have no idea when I'll see you." Keith mutters, taking a seat on the bed.

Lance sits next to him, taking Keith's hands into his.

"Hey, he lets you go to Pidge's so I'll just come see you like that if they're chill with it. Plus I miss that gremlin." Lance smiles.

"I don't think he's gonna let me do anything which isn't a good idea." Keith mutters.

"Don't- don't talk like that, Keith." Lance mumbles, squeezing Keith's hands.

"I'm sorry. It just seriously isn't and sure- I'm sure he's gonna force me back onto that shit. Its just- its like he doesn't listen to me about everything."

"I know, but you also dont listen to him, cariño. He's only doing this because he cares."

"I know that but- he just- ugh. Lance he's difficult."

"Babe, see his side of things too and help him to see your side." Lance presses his lips to Keith's.

Keith pushes forward, moving his hands from Lance's so he can cup his cheeks.

Lance smiles against Keith's lips, running his hands through Keith's hair.

Keith hums, running his tongue teasingly over Lance's lips.

Lance parts his lips, allowing Keith to slip his tongue in. Their kiss gets heated quickly, Keith helping Lance lay back. Caging him in with his arms.

Lance pulls away, panting slightly. Cheeks flushed pink.

"M-more." Lance mumbles.

Keith eagerly complies, sitting on Lance's waist. He surges forward and kisses Lance. Nibbling lightly at his bottom lip.

Lance moans softly, the sound being swallowed up by Keith. He balls a hand in the sheets and places the other on Keith's hip.

As soon as Keith has his shirt off and Lance has his binder off Keith's phone rings. He groans, burying his face into the crook of Lance's neck.

"You gotta go, cariño."

"I know." Keith sighs, he grabs his phone and answers.

"I'm here."

"Ok-" the other end clicks end.

Keith growls, slamming his phone against Lance's bed. He kisses Lance again, full of love. It felt like goodbye to Lance.

"I- I really dont want you to go." Lance mutters, allowing Keith to help him back into his binder.

"I know. I dont wanna go either." Keith sighs, another kiss. That leads to another. And a couple more.

"Just- go before I cry." Lance laughs.

"Fine. I love you. So much."

"I love you too, jerk. Stop getting grounded."

"Walk me out?"

"Of course." Lance smiles.

When they get out of the apartment building Lance leans up, cupping Keith's face.

"Mantente seguro para mí cariño. Te quiero mucho."

"I have no idea what you just said." Keith laughs.

"Keep safe for me darling. I love you so much." Lance smiles.

"Sarang-hae." Keith smiles.

"Hmm?"

"I love you." Keith laughs, forehead pressed against Lance's.

"I'll miss you." Lance mumbles, tearing up as he presses his lips to Keith's.

Keith kisses him, pulling away a minute later. He thumbs away Lance's tears and smiles.

"Its not goodbye you goof."

"Sure in the hell feels like it." Lance laughs bitterly.

"Its fine, darlin'" Keith chuckles.

"Fucking southerner." Lance teases.

"You fucked this southerner." Keith snorts.

"Pfft- you can leave now."

"Do you regret it?"

"Of course not babe. Now- I love you but I can see Shiro give me the death eye. Get your sweet ass in his car before I drag you back inside and-"

Keith's cheeks heat up.

"Okay! Going! I'm going!" Keith squeaks.

"When you get back I'll teach you some Spanish and you can figure out what I said that night." Lance winks.

"Oh my God- don't fucking- I hate you."

"I love you too cariño~!" Lance smiles, pushing Keith. As he walks off Lance wolf whistles, a wolfish grin across his face with Keith turns around glaring with his cheeks bright red.

Lance laughs and waits for Shiro to drive off with Keith to go back inside.

The rest of the day he talks to Hunk, Pidge and Nyma.

"Hey, are you better from the other night? I didn't mean to make you cry."

"You didn't make me cry, Ny' I just got worked up." Lance shrugs, computers camera focused on him.

"You've filled out."

"Shut up." Lance laughs, shoulders shaking.

"Im not joking! Damn I jealous of that Kogane kid." Nyma laughs.

"Pfft-"

"So how are things?"

"They're good. We- we almost ended up... doing it again."

"Damn, Lance."

"Hush. I really do love him." Lance sighs.

"I know. He loves you too, Lance."

"I know." Lance smiles.

"When are you visiting?"

"Just a couple more months. 3."

"Christmas?"

"I- I wanna bring Keith, but- papa." Lance mutters.

"Fuck your dad. Not- not literally." Nyma laughs.