Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Good work today!” the director announced, almost immediately dropping his hearty claps to start bossing the staff around. Keith decided he didn't need him on his case, and started to pack up his camera equipment to load it with the rest of the lights and the set.

“Hey you!” Allura smiled at him. “Need a hand?”

Keith was more than capable of carrying his stuff by himself, but he knew from all the years working with her that Allura rarely took no as the final answer. He smiled at her. “Sure. Here, take the tripod, I’ll carry the rest.”

“So, any plans for the weekend?” she matched his pace, the glittery dress from the shoot bouncing up and down with each step.

“Me and Pidge are planning on marathoning the Harry Potter movies.” he chuckled at her scoff.

“I don't understand Katie at all! She’s young, she's beautiful, she can kill a man if she throws her sneaker hard enough! And yet, she never goes out!” she laughed. “I sure wish I had the time.”

“Life as a model and designer is pretty hard, isn't it? When’s your chauffeur picking you up again?”

She nudged his shoulder. “I’m just saying, I want the time to go out and have fun too! I have meetings all day tomorrow and it's Saturday!”

"Okay, so that does kinda suck." He laughed at her, loading the stuff into the truck. "What would you even do with a free day?"

“I don’t know, meet new people?” she shoved the tripod in the spot Keith had cleared for her. “I’d like to not die alone, Keith.”

“That’s what my brother’s here for, Allura.” He smirked at her.

She flushed but her expression remained calm. “As if! Shiro and I are just friends!”

“Mmm hmm, okay, Allura, sure.” he rolled his eyes, a small smile still on his face.

“I’m serious!” she laughed, linking arms with him as she walked him over to his bike. “Three years of knowing each other and not making a move usually means we’re not gonna date! Take a look at you and Katie!”

“Allura, I’m not straight.”

“Okay, you know what, that was a bad example.”

They both laugh as he slipped on his gloves and jacket. “I still think you should bone my brother.”

“Shut up, Keith.” she kissed his cheek and waved him goodbye, turning to walk back into the building to change. “Tell Pidge she needs to go out more!”

As he was about to answer when his phone buzzed. “Look what you’ve done!” He shoved the phone out so she could see the screen from where she stood. “You’ve summoned her!”

Allura rolled her eyes.

He put Pidge on speaker phone upon answering. “Pidge! Allura says you’re anti-social loser that needs to live a little!”

“I said it in a nicer way though!”

On the other side of the line, she laughed. “It's okay Allura, but you have to tell emo lord over there to buy me gummy snakes on the way home.”

“That’s between you and your husband.” she laughed.

“That's true!” Pidge giggled, then cleared her throat. “Honey Buns, I need you to buy me gummy snakes.”

“I promise I will, Sugarplum!” all three of them laughed.

“Well, I’m off! Use protection you two!” she walked back to the set.

“Bye, Allura!” they said in unison, which caused them both to laugh once more.

“You know, I really think we need to fuck now, just to get them to stop saying that.”

“Pidge, what in the world makes you think they’ll stop if we fuck?”

A pause. “I don't know, it got me shut up about Hunk and Shay.”

“Touche.” he chuckled. “I’ll hook you up to my helmet, gimme a sec.”

“Oh! I love it when you do that! It makes me feel like I’m some sort of hacker spy and you’re on a secret mission!”

“Hacker? Yes. Spy? Not with all the noise you make.”

“Har har.” she snorted.

He put on his helmet and sat on the bike, making a show of revving up the engine, the growl echoing through the empty parking lot. He’ll humor her tonight. “You ready, Agent Holt?” he can’t help the little smile creeping into his face.

He hears keys being smashed on the line. “Operation Get Me Gummy Snakes is a go Agent Kogane!”

He burned out of his parking spot, enjoying the cold breeze against his face and his chest. “Alright, what's the closest seven eleven?”

More typing. “Down two streets and a left.”

“Gummies, here I come!” he sped up.

She giggled. “You know, you should teach me to ride that thing!”

“Pidge, you nearly got ran over last week on your scooter!”

“It’s cause I’m more of a skateboard person!”

“No, you’re not!” He crossed over to take the upcoming turn.

“You know what, Keith? I came out here to have a good time, and honestly I'm feeling very attacked right now.”

Keith threw his head back in laughter. He hadn’t heard her say that in a while.

He collected himself, taking advantage of an opening to take the turn. He was halfway through the street when he spotted the headlights on his right, unfortunately, a bit too late.

The truck collided with the back of his bike, sending it and himself flying onto the gravel. He could practically hear his bones crack as the helmet made contact with the street.

“Keith!? What was that?” He couldn’t muster the strength to answer her back, instead, what came out were groggy, incoherent sounds. “KEITH!? CAN YOU HEAR ME!? KEITH!”

Her voice faded out into silence.

All the streetlights dimmed until everything was pitch dark.

The first thing he noticed was the smell. It smelled kind of like an elder home or a dentist; either way the smell made him him very uncomfortable.

The second thing he noticed was that he was hot. He was a man of many layers who thrived in the cold, but he was burning up.

The third thing he noticed was the beeping, and that's what woke him up. His eyes fluttered open, the blinding light becoming a bigger annoyance than the sweat plaguing his body. He tried shifting to get a better look at where he was, but his everything hurt; especially his left side.

The beeping was starting to become clearer, and he reached around trying to sit up so he could get a glimpse around the room.

He tried turning on his right side, feeling a wave of nausea crashing down on him as he tried to stand.

“WOAH, WOAH! Hey, buddy, you can't do that shit!” He felt a hand gently trying to push him back into bed.

His head was reeling and his vision was fogged over. He was gonna puke. “Whu….Where...?”

“Easy, biker man, easy; please get back into the bed, I’ll adjust it so you can sit up a bit.”

The warm hand stayed resting on his chest. Soon he could feel the bed shifting so that he sat at an angle rather than a flat line. Gentle fingers reached up to brush some of his sweaty hair away from his face.

“You good?” the voice sent shivers down his spine; the two words spoken dripping with care and concern.

“Where am I?” Keith's vision started to clear, and he sucked in a breath.

The man above him was beautiful. Tanned skin, high cheekbones, dark blue eyes. With the bright light above him, he looked celestial. He had this look on his face, soft and inviting, his lips capturing Keith's attention, making him sweat more if that were possible by this point. Keith was pretty terrified that with his mind in this cluttered state he’d start saying stupid shit without thinking.

That's when he realized the man above him had been talking the whole time.

“Uh….What?”

The man blinked at him in surprise, not able to contain the snicker that soon after left his lips. Keith wanted nothing more than to ravish him right then and there. “I see someone doesn’t care enough to know why he’s at the ER.” he smirked.

Keith left out an awkward chuckle, a little slow to what the man had said to him. When he did register it though, he bolted upright, miscalculating the man’s proximity. He slammed his forehead to his, causing Keith to be slammed back into the bed as the man fell onto the floor.

“OH MY GOD I’M SORRY!” Keith sat up once more, tears in his eyes. He was suddenly very aware of the pounding in his head. “I DIDN’T-! I didn’t….” He trailed of as he looked around.

Several nurses, patients, and other people were staring at him in a mix of amusement, mortification, and pity. Aside from that embarrassing fact, Keith was more concern with the fact that his little crowd was made up of nurses, patients, and the patients’ families.

He was indeed in the ER, or at least a hospital wing, and the annoying beeping fro before was nothing less than the heart monitor attached to his index finger.

He looked down at the man, feeling his body chill suddenly. “What.... happened to me….?”

The man rubbed his head, standing to sit at the edge of Keith’s bed. He looked both amused and a little tired. “What do you think?”

Keith wasn't sure he appreciated his calm tone when he himself was freaking out. “I-I-I don’t know! I-URGH! All I remember is-!” He stopped. He racked his brain around to remember the last thing he did, but nothing before he woke up came to him.”

“That’s not good....okay;” The man grabbed a chart from the bedside pocket and flipped through it. “I’m gonna ask you questions; I need to make sure you don't have amnesia.” Keith nodded. “What's your name?”

“Keith Kogane.”

“Date of birth?”

“Does it matter?!” Keith said exasperated. “I just….I just need to think; I didn’t forget anything I swear.”

“Hey hey, it’s okay, pal!” He smiled at him, setting the clipboard down. “You’re right, the mind is always clouded when one wakes up from the type of power nap you took. Our memory slithers away from our grasp like a snake.”

“Snakes? That's the dumbest-” He choked. “Snakes?! SNAKES! HOLY CRAP THE GUMMIES! WHERE’S PIDGE!? WHERE’S KATIE; IS SHE OKAY?” he latched his hands onto the man, the heart monitor picking up the pace along with his heart.

“Okay, okay, let’s not panic! Let’s not panic, chill fam.” He grabbed Keith’s hands in his. That didn't help his rapid heart, but it did calm his sudden stress. “Okay I’m gonna tell you what I know, and I need you to piece what I tell you together to aid your memory.”

Keith nodded, trying to still his heart so that the beeping would slow down to a less annoying rhythm.

“We got a call around eight thirty seven that there been an accident." He started softly. "A man on a motorcycle had been hit by a bakery delivery truck. When the medics arrived at the scene, the young man had a lot of road burns on his left side.” he gently brought Keith’s hand to the bandages around his left thigh.

He gasped. He hadn’t noticed the hospital gown, nor the bandages. “What….” he was afraid to ask. “What else?”

The man’s eyes seemed to sparkle when he smiled. “Thankfully, no sprains, twists, or broken anything. You were very lucky. Only the burns and the concussion you’re probably feeling by now.” Keith chuckled nodding slowly. The longer he stayed sat up, the more the room spun around him. The man brought his hand to his face, brushing his thumb over his brow. Keith felt a knot tighten in his stomach. “Plus this nasty cut. It could leave a scar but let's hope not.”

“But...What about Katie? I remember her voice!” Keith tried to think, but it only made him more nauseous. He could feel himself choke up. “She wanted gummy snakes….!”

The man was quiet for a second, probably having an easier time at racking his mind around than Keith was with his head pounding. He picked up the chart again and after shuffling through some pages he sighted. He turned with dazzling eyes, crinkling at the corners of his wide smile. “Could you perhaps be talking about Katelyn Holt?”

“Yeah, that’s Pidge!” Keith tried to reach for the man once more but he suddenly started feeling queasy. He hated what happened next.

He puked.

Thankfully he didn't puke on the cute nurse's face. He did, however, puke all over the cute nurse’s shoes and the floor. He wanted to cry. He was in pain, he was dizzy, and this was by far the most embarrassing thing in he’d done in his life. Perhaps he was exaggerating….no he was not, Keith wanted to die.

He felt a hand rub his back. “Hey, it’s okay, this is best way to deal with concussion-caused-nausea; just….let it out pal.” His voice was a sweet, his tone a little grossed out and uncomfortable, but Keith couldn't blame him. He was puking on his shoes after all.

He waited until Keith had regained his composure, gently setting him down on the bed. Keith heard him ask another nurse to bring him a cooling pack and his spare shoes, as well as someone to clean up the mess. Keith tried not to think about it too hard or he’d puke again from embarrassment.

“Keith, listen to me.” His voice threatened to lull him to sleep. It was infatuating. “When they found you your phone was ringing. You had a bunch of missed calls and a couple of voice messages and texts. When one of our medics answered, the voice came through the speakers of the helmet.” Keith took in a shaky breath. “She wasn't there, Keith. You probably felt like she was because, technically, it was like she was speaking into your ear.”

“Oh, thank God.” he let out a tired laugh letting his eyes close. “I thought Matt was gonna kill me.”

“Your girlfriend’s brother?” the man laughed. He heard him thank a nurse. “Keith, I need you to not scream okay?”

“Why would I-OH OKAY THAT'S WHY.” he winced as the cold pack touched his forehead, numbness slowly spreading as he got used to it. He felt the nurse's hands roam over his chest. “What are you…?”

“You’re hot-”

“Thanks.”

“-It might be a fever, so since you’ve been sweating it out for a bit, I’m gonna try cooling you down now.”

Keith practically melted into the touch. He allowed himself to be stripped from the blankets that had been wrapped around him, feeling tingles down his spine as the man unbuttoned the hospital gown and pulled it open. He felt his hands on the bandages on his side.

“You should feel fine by tomorrow; regarding the concussion I mean. At most you'll get a few headaches here and there." He gave an airy laugh. "Those burns are gonna sting like a fucker for a while, though.”

"Are all nurses usually this foul mouthed?"

"Only when the patients puke on their shoes."

"I can't believe I did that!" Keith threw an arm over his face. He could feel himself smiling in embarrassment.

"Neither can I." he chuckled. "Better me than a visitor though."

"I don't know man." Keith started to feel a little groggy. "I think Pidge would've loved it."

"I'm sure she would've." his tone was hushed. Like a whisper. “I need you to rest up now, though, okay? Tomorrow you’ll be able to go home.”

“Okay….” Keith felt himself drifting away. He mustered all his strengths to not fall back asleep just yet. “W-Wait….”

“What is it?”

“What's….what’s your name….?”

He heard a little laugh. Keith felt his hand being grasped gently, then laid on his stomach. Fingers ran over a spot on his chin. From the light sting, Keith safely assumed it was another cut. “The name’s Lance. Shame you puked on me seconds after meeting; that’s usually a 'fourth-date-at-the-club' event for me.”

Keith chuckled before finally letting go, drifting back to sleep.

Chapter Text

Keith woke up to silent humming and the beeping from his heart monitor; he’d be lying if he said he hadn’t forgotten he was at the ER.

He opened his eyes slowly, looking around the room. He’d been moved to a single room in the back so they could keep an eye on him over night without him taking up a main spot. The light was coming from a window this time; he liked that better than the main room’s LEDs.

The humming turned into whispered singing, accompanied by scribbles on a chart. Keith couldn't help but listen in.

“Bidi bidi bom bom, Bidi bidi bom bom.” Even half asleep he could recognize Lance’s voice. He turned his head so he could get a better look at the man who checking his vitals. “Cada vez, cada vez que lo veo pasar, mi corazon se enloquece! Y me empieza a palpitar! Bidi bidi bom-” he made eye contact with Keith, flushing and straightening up. He cleared his throat “Hi.”

Keith giggled, trying to rub the sleep off his eyes. “Cheery in the morning, aren’t we?”

“Might as well be.” he smiled at him. He was still a little sleepy, Keith could tell. “Did I wake you?”

“You did, but for your sake I’ll say no.”

Lance laughed. “Well, for your sake you should be nice to the nurse that made sure you didn't die last night.”

Keith raised a brow. “I thought you said I’d suffered nothing serious.”

“You didn’t, but I could’ve easily murdered you for puking on my yeezys.” Keith paled for a moment, knowing some of those shoes sold for seven hundred dollars. Lance snickered. “Then again, they are knock offs my mom bought at the mercado. You can buy all kinds of shit at the mercado.”

Keith let out a relieved sigh. “I’m sure.”

Lance came to stand by his side, setting the chart down. He placed a hand on Keith’s forehead. “Well you seem to be at regular temperature, and you are not as pale or sweaty as last night.” He sat down. “I need to check on your concussion though; how are you feeling?”

Keith took a second to answer, trying to see if there was some sort of pain he had not felt yet. He shook his head. “Just a light pounding in my head; nothing some food won't fix.”

Lance chuckled, lightly patting his shoulder. “You wish! You’re most probably gonna be dizzy for a while. Not to mention we’re gonna have to prescribe you Topiramate or something for the headaches, and some ointment and pain killers for the burns. You’re gonna spend quite a lot of money on bandages.”

“That’s what my brother’s for;” Keith chuckled, laying back down. “He’s got the higher paying job.”

“What does he do?”

“He’s the tax manager for Altea-”

“I LOVE ALTEA!” Lance practically bounced off the bed, searching his pockets. “LOOK!” he pulled out a little tin of lip balm with the signature pink flower emblem on its lid. “This is one of my favorite products. I love their beauty and self care selection! I like the clothes too but to be honest I-what?”

Keith allowed his laughter to fill the room, enjoying the light blush on Lance’s cheeks. “Nothing, nothing! It’s just-” he let out another laugh. “I live with a girl, and she doesn't get nearly half as excited as you about this kinda stuff.”

“Hey, I’m allowed!” He smirked as Keith raised his hands in surrender, a smile still plastered on his face. “Besides! Being a nurse gives you a newfound appreciation for face masks and creams; never too early to start caring about your appearance.”

“Fair enough!” Keith admitted “Hadn’t thought of it that way.”

“I can tell.” He stuck his tongue out. “What do you do?”

“Huh?”

“We were talking jobs before I got....uh....excited.”

Keith chuckled. “I’m the photographer for Altea; all those catalog and website images are all me.”

“Then I must thank you for making Allura Altea look ravishing.” he winked.

“That’s all her.”

“Dude, so, I was-”

A knock on the door caused Lance to stand up straight and shove the tin in his pocket. Shortly after another nurse walked in, a curvy brunette with a droopy brown sweater. Lance excused himself to talk with her for a second before nodding and walking back as she walked out.

“You have visitors and I have to go,” Keith nodded in understanding. “But I’ll try to see you off, seeing as you puked on me and I refuse to let you live it down.”

Keith rolled his eyes. “You are horrible.”

“My one and only trait!” He opened the door. “Say hi to your girlfriend for me.”

“My what?” Keith raised a brow. He tried to rack his brain around for anything he might’ve said last night that might’ve made Lance think he was straight.

Keith was about to correct him, but he was too slow and Lance walked out. The door flew open shortly after, slamming onto the wall as the person responsible for the action stepped in.

Keith felt his heart swell with joy as he took in Pidge's appearance. Bed-head, darker-than-usual bags under her eyes, mismatched socks, and to top it off her shirt was inside out and backwards. She was a mess and it made him want to cry.

“Keith!” she screamed as she practically belly flopped onto the bed. “WHAT THE FUCK!?” she straddled his lap, oblivious to the wince as her leg brushed over the burns. “WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCKING FUCK, KEITH!?”

“Katie no!” Matt was walking over to them.

“No! Katie YES!” she seemed mad. It also seemed like she was about to cry. Keith felt really bad for almost laughing at her helpless expression.

“Katie, no!” Shiro closed the door behind him.

After a moment of glancing back and forth between his brother and her brother, Pidge sighted. She slowly and got off Keith’s lap. “Katie, no…” She sat on the chair next to the bed.

“SERIOUSLY!?” Matt sighted and he plopped down on the chair next to her.

Pidge stuck her tongue out at him, turning back to Keith. “How are you feeling? Yesterday, mid-call, I heard a crash, and you weren’t answering when I called out, and at first I thought it was the phone, so I hung up and tried calling again, but you didn’t pick up! And I kept calling but you never did answer, and when you did, it wasn’t you, it was the police, and they said there’d been a crash and you had to come to the ER, and then-then-!” she gasped for air. She took a second to collect herself, grabbing Keith’s hand. “You’re so stupid and I hate you.”

“I love you too.” he squeezed her hand.

“Are you okay?” Shiro sat on the edge of Keith’s bed. “They said you had road burns and a minor concussion.”

“They said you were incredibly lucky.” Matt added. “No damage to your bike other than a dent, and no major damage to your body.”

“What happened to Naomi?” Keith asked.

“I took her to your apartment already, I know you don't trust anyone else to fix her.” Matt rolled his eyes. “I still can't believe they made me come just so I could drive the bike back.”

“One; that’s what you get for being the only other one who’s certified to drive a two-wheeler cause of your lame ass moped-”

“It was a gift, Katie!”

“Two; you came because you're a worry wart, Matthew Holt.” his silence earned him a smirk from his sister as Shiro and Keith chuckled.

“We brought you some clothes so you can change. I’ll drop you both off at the apartment before going prescription shopping.”

“We can come with; I’m not dying.” Keith ignored the fact that the pounding in his head was getting stronger.

“We don’t care!” only Pidge answered, but since neither Shiro nor Matt spoke against it, Keith assumed they were all in accordance. “You need to rest, at least for a little longer.”

The look she shot him told him he had no say in the matter. He smiled back, playfully rolling his eyes. “Okay, okay, I’ll go home and rest!” Pidge visibly relaxed. “But if I want anything I expect you to bring it to me.”

“Of course I will, Honey Buns.” she laughed.

“Well since no one died,” Matt got up. “I’ll take my leave, I have a date in an hour.”

“We should get going too.” Shiro pulled some clothes out of his bag. “Do you need help changing? Cause of the burns and bandages, I mean.”

Keith thought about it for a second. “Yeah, you know what, I might.”

“Aww, you two are so cute!” Pidge purred. “Maybe you can take baths together too.”

“Okay, we’re gone!” Matt grabbed his sister by the wrist towards the door as she laughed. “She’ll wait for you two at the front. I have to go, but I hope you feel better Keith.”

“Thanks, Matt.” Keith chuckled as the Holt siblings exited the room. He turned to his brother. “It’s funny cause they’re the one’s that used to bathe together all the time”

Shiro helped him sit up. “She used to wear his clothes too; can’t blame her though. Linda wasn’t very good at picking tree-climbing attire.” Keith nodded with fake sympathy, Shiro chuckled. “Take the thing off, will you?”

He complied, happily shedding the hospital gown. He looked down at himself, feeling self conscious at all the bandages on his body; there were a few still visible little bruises. If he looked pretty beat up to himself, he didn't want to imagine what he looked like to his older brother.

“Lift your arms, you baby, you’ll be fine.” The reassuring smile on his brother’s face was all Keith needed to cheer up again. “I heard you puked on your nurse.”

Keith groaned with embarrassment “I did! God, I can’t believe I did!”

Shiro gently pulled his arm through his shirt, mindful when Keith winced. “What he say?”

“He….” Keith paused, remembering how flustered he’d been whilst Lance barely reacted. “He was pretty chill about it actually….”

“Oh?” He didn't need to see him to know Shiro was smirking. “What’s his name? Was he cute?”

“His name is Lance. And being a flaming homo doesn’t mean that I think all guys are cute, Shiro.” Keith frowned as Shiro shrugged, clearly very amused.

After a second Shiro spoke again, in a teasing tone. “Was he?”

“Stop trying to figure out who’s gonna get in my pants and help me put them on.” Shiro laughed.

“So….are you gonna ask him out?”

“Shiro, I don’t even know him.” He laughed, struggling to stand. He leaned on Shiro as he slipped into his sweat pants.

“Okay, okay, I’ll drop it, plus you do have that other guy; what’s his face? Laurence? He seems like a dick though, please don’t date him.” he pulled out Keith’s slippers, setting them down for him. “Ready?”

“Let’s bounce, I want donuts.”

“I’ll go sign you out and get your prescription.” he stirred Keith through the halls, careful with his hand placement. “Go find, Katie; she’s probably by the vending machines.”

He and Shiro split up at the front desk. He looked around for a little bit, trying to spot a sign that would point him in the right direction. Turns out he didn't need to; as he turned a corner a laugh caught his attention. That laugh was definitely Pidge’s.

“I swear!” she was saying. “They are they only movie-worthy snack!” a small pause. “Don't shake your head at me! They are! They’re long gummies, so they last longer! There’s sweet ones, there’s sour ones! What else could one eat while watching movies!?”

The hearty laugh told him who she was talking to before even coming into view of them.

“Popcorn, Katelyn! One would eat popcorn!” Lance laughed as she slapped a hand on her forehead. “You can have them plain, cheesy, buttery, caramel-y! You name it!”

“Okay, you know what Lance?” They laughed again.

“Honestly guys, what matters is the drink, not the snack;” Keith came into view, leaning on the wall as they smiled at him. “And a slushie is the only way to go.”

“True that, Keith.” Pidge agreed, pocketing her pack of gummy worms as Lance nodded.

Lance smiled at him. He was in his street clothes; white and blue baseball tee, dark jeans, and a jacket Keith had photographed for last year’s ‘Altean Men's’ collection. “Going home?”

“Yeah, after I get a donut or something. I'm so hungry I could eat a child.” he smirked at Pidge.

“Please don't eat me.” Pidge laughed. She linked her arm around his. “Ready to go?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Well, aren’t you two goals?” Lance smirked as he bent over to grab his pack of Oreo’s from the bending machine.

Pidge let go of his arm with an awkward laugh as Keith said “It’s not like that.”

Lance winked at them. “See ya around.”

He left and Keith was pretty upset with himself for not stopping him. Lance thought he was straight. He knew that Lance thinking that didn’t affect his life or Lance’s in the slightest, but it made him feel off anyway. He seemed like a cool guy, and now it felt like Keith was lying to him.

“We should get going,” he said. “Shiro’s probably waiting for us.”

He waited for her to say something. When she didn't, he pulled on her and she snapped to attention after the third tug. “Yeah, let's go.”

“You good?”

“Peachy.” she smiled at him. “Let’s go get those donuts.”

Pidge didn't say anything during the car ride, which wasn't unusual of her; she was usually either on her phone or singing. Talking in the car wasn't her forte.

She didn't have a preference on the donuts either. And even though she usually never did, the fact that she didn't this time made him very uneasy.

She helped carry Keith’s stuff to their apartment and took it to his room, but she didn't come back to say goodbye to Shiro.

That’s when he knew something was wrong.

“Pidge?” he received no reply. “Katie!”

She poked her head from the hallway, her cheeks colored slightly. “Is he gone?”

“Yeah, why?” he raised a brow.

Before he could ask what was going on, Katie squealed as she jumped onto the couch.

Keith pulled away with a horrified expression.

“What's wrong?” Katie laughed, tossing her legs over the armrest. “You look like you've seen a ghost.”

He looked at her for a second. There was a new glow to her; even with her disheveled appearance she looked beautiful. It’s not that he didn't think his best friend was pretty all the time, but this was something else. She looks more meek and demure and….and….!

“Girly.” Keith faked disgust.

“Oh, shut up!” she threw a pillow at him, “I’m allowed to be!”

“Not in this house you're not, bro.”

She rolled her eyes, letting out a bubbly laugh. Her giddiness was starting to rub off on him. He went over to sit back to back, following her lead and tossing his legs over the armrest as well.

“You good?”

“Will be when Shiro brings me the headache pills.”

She laughed. “Fair enough.”

“Are YOU good?”

He felt her shift against his back. “What do you mean?”

“Last time I saw you like this was when I introduced Shiro as my brother.”

“That's cause I didn’t know you’re brother was the guy I had a crush on when I was nine!” he could feel her laugh resonate from her body to his.

“You totally still had a crush on him in high school, though!”

“Did not!” she leaned forward, Keith reclining over the curve of her back.

“You so did!” Keith snorted “You were all like ‘H-Hi Takashi, OMG am I allowed to call you that?!’”

“I do not abbreviate ‘oh my God’!” she pushes against him, resting on Keith’s curved back instead of vice-versa. “And I was freaking out cause he’s Japanese! You don't do first names there!”

“But he’s also an American who couldn’t care less!”

“Ugh, whatever!” he could feel her rolling her eyes. “The fact that you guys were brothers totally killed my lady boner.”

“Blame his mom and my dad, that’s was all them.”

“I guess….” she sighed, easing her head onto his shoulder. He followed suit. “It was for the better though. I can't imagine not having this.”

“Aww Pidge!” he met her gaze, sticking out his tongue. “Gross.”

She laughed and pushed his face away. “I’m serious! I’m glad I’m not dating Takashi Shirogane, the almighty. I’m really glad I’m not tied down right now.”

“Why is that?”

“I met a guy!” her voice was coated with excitement. “And he has these eyes, Keith! They're an untamed ocean!”

Keith chuckled. “Jeez, Pidge! Do I leave you to finger paint?”

“Ew, No! Dude, I’m serious!” she stood so fast Keith fell backwards into the couch. “Keith, I, fuck! I think I could like, like him like him….like….like-like like-like him….I-" she stopped herself. "....What did I just say...?”

He laughed at her confused expression. “Blushing, stammering, rambling; who are you and what have you done to Pidge?”

“Har har.” she rolled her eyes, kneeling in front of him, resting her arms and face on the edge of the couch.

“Who is it?” he wrapped an arm around her, running his fingers through her hair.

She smiled. “That nurse who we were talking with earlier….” she smiled in pure bliss.

“Lance?” Keith raised a brow.

She snapped up. “You know him?”

“He was the nurse that attended me yesterday.”

“Dude! He’s so hot!” she piped up.

“Dude!” He rolled his eyes. “I know. Curses like a sailor though.”

“Doesn’t matter to me.”

“I’m sure it doesn't since you do the same.”

"Hey!" There was a pause. “I wanna see him again.”

“Just break your leg or something.” Keith teased.

Another pause. She pulled away from his grasp, his hand landing limply on the couch. He gave her a confused look. Her face was so focused he got a headache just thinking about the million thoughts running through her head. She muttered something he almost didn’t catch before bolting for her room and slamming the door behind her.

“Or something....”

Chapter Text

Katie Holt was incredibly brilliant. She’d skipped two grades, graduated top of her class from college and from high school, and she had the dream job of any robot nerd.

Pidge was a motherfucking genius, she knew that.

However, she was also incredibly stupid.

“MOTHER FUCKER!”

Keith slammed onto the floor, having been so startled by the scream that he’d rolled out of bed.

He winced at the sudden sharp pain; landing on his left side was a sign that today would not be a good day. Granted, that while in the two weeks that had passed his burns had started to scab, that didn’t lessen the sting that the impact with the floor shot through him.

He grunted as he sat up, his head spinning.

“Fuck fuck FUCK!” Pidge screamed from the other side of the door.

He snapped to attention, quickly pulling himself up. “KATIE!?” he staggered towards his door.

He was met with a sobbing Pidge, curled into a ball as she cried on the floor next to her door.

He fell to his knees, clutching his still throbbing side. “Katie, what happened? Are you okay?”

She gasped for air trying to speak between sobs and grunts of pain. “FUCK! I didn’t- shit shit SHIT! Keith!” she reached up for him. “I NEED TO GO THE HOSPITAL! I-I-I-” she choked on a sob. “I THINK I BROKE MY PINKY.”

“HOW THE FUCK DID YOU BREAK YOUR PINKY?!”

“I-!”

“UGH, IT DOESN'T MATTER COME ON!”

He ran back into his room to put on some shoes. He looked at himself in his mirror; his hair was a mess, he looked very tired, and his clothes were all wrinkled from being slept in.

Fantastic.

He helped her to her feet and fetched her shoes and her glasses. He took comfort in the fact that, at least, he looked more presentable than Pidge, whose face was wet and blotchy from crying.

Since Keith was not well enough to take Katie on his bike, they settled for calling a cab. The whole ride was spent with Keith trying to calm Pidge down as she threatened to rip off the man's mustache if he didn’t ‘step on it!’.

When they got there (after Keith tipped the taxi driver a little extra to not sue them), they walked up to the front desk to get a form as Pidge frantically looked around.

He pulled her to one of the many empty chairs in the waiting area. He filled in the blanks, trying not to smack his friend for all the fidgeting she was doing. “How did this happen?” Keith turned to her.

“Huh?”

“The pinky?”

“I broke it.”

He blinked. “Yeah, I got that from your frantic wailing; I meant HOW did you break it?”

“O-oh, I, uh….” she ran her good hand through her hair. “I slammed it on the door by accident.”

“How did you manage that? I thought you closed your door last night?”

“Well, I-”

“Hey! If it isn’t Gummy Snakes and Pukey!”

They both turned to see Lance walking over to them from the front desk.

“What did you just call me?” Keith glared at him, daring him to do it again.

“Nothing that isn't true.” he winked at him. Keith scoffed, unable to hide the little smirk on his face. Lance turned to Pidge. He frowned. “You wear glasses?”

“Not usually!” she blurted out. “I couldn’t put my contacts on today.”

“Oh, don’t worry about it; those kinda suit you!” he smiled. “My friend at the desk tells me someone fucked up.”

She laughed nervously and a little embarrassed. “Yeah, I kinda did.”

“I see that.” he chuckled, giving her swollen and purple finger and eyeing. She hid it with her hand with an awkward laugh. He smiled. “Tell you what; I’m not supposed to do this, but seeing as it’s a slow day, come in the back with me and let me patch you up.”

“Really?” her face lit up, a light blush on her cheeks.

He laughed. “Follow me, Gummy Snakes.” she got up and followed close behind. Keith laughed. “Hey!” he turned to Lance, who was flashing him a grin. “You too, Pukey.”

“KEITH!”

He ran into the bathroom, not bothering with knocking. “What!? What’s wrong?!”

Pidge rubbed her eyes vigorously, tears streaming down her face.  “I don't know! I put my contacts in and now they sting like a motherfucker!”

“Okay, don't panic; let me see.” he slowly pulled her hands away from her eyes. They were rather red and puffy. “Okay hold on.”

“Are we going to the ER?!" She cried.

“No, it’s cool, I had a friend who also wore contacts. This happened to him cause his solution was close to the expiration date; let me see yours!”

Pidge handed it over after a few seconds.

Keith gave her a funny look. “Pidge, this is the old solution; what happened to the new one?”

She shrugged, no longer withering in pain. “I dunno.”

“Huh….” he shrugged too. “Well, in any case don’t use this shit. We’ll order you more later. For the meantime just use your glasses. Hurry up and get dressed, Shiro said he’d drop you off at the lab before heading to Altea Headquarters.”

“I….okay.” She washed her face, drying it, and pulling her glasses out of her pocket. As she was tying her hair up she noticed Keith staring at her. “What?”

“Nothing, I just thought you’re eyes were gonna burn off based on the way you screamed earlier.” he leaned against the door frame, raising a brow. “And since when do you carry your glasses in your pocket.”

“Well, since I, uh, since-!”

“Since Lance said they made you look cute?” he smirked at her.

“He didn't say that!” she stopped. Then, more quietly added. “Did he?”

He ruffled her hair with a laugh. “You, my dear Pidge,” he leaned down to her eye level. “Have got it REAL bad!”

“ARGH GET OUT I NEED TO CHANGE!”

“Huh….” Lance walked in circles around Pidge. “So, Katelyn, do tell me again….how in the actual name of fuck-” he paused to take an exasperated and slightly amused breath. “You got FUCKING BATTERY ACID! In your eyes…? Huh?!”

“I told you! I work with robots! AT A LAB! That shit is everywhere!”

He stood there, silently watching her with his hands pressed to his lips. “In your eyes too?!” he asked in a hushed and incredulous voice.

“YES!” she sighted. She hated the fact that her vision was so blurry she couldn't distinguish him from the wall. “Can you just fix me?!”

He sighted. “Honestly, these cases vary; have you soaked your eyes already?”

“No?”

“KATIE!” he shook her gently by the shoulders before scurrying to get some water in a container. “I THOUGHT YOU SAID YOU WORK AT A LAB!? YOU DIDN'T HAVE GOGGLES ON AND YOU DIDN'T RINSE THEM OUT AFTERWARDS?! DO YOU WANT TO BE BLIND, WOMAN!?”

“I didn’t-!” she growled. “Just hand me the water, McClain!”

He sighted. “Can you hold your eyes open? You’re allowed to blink, but I do need you to soak them in warm water for at least thirty minutes. What’s your prescription?”

“Negative one point five, why?”

“There's a pretty big possibility that you’re eyesight just got a lot worse than that.”

“Fuck!”

“Hey it’s fine, we’ll test you after you’ve soaked down.”

“No, this wasn’t supposed to happen like this!”

He laughed. “Pidge, one can’t control accidents!”

She was quiet for a second. “Right.”

“I’ll go get the chart so we can test you here.” Lance said softly. She assumed he was smiling, but with her eyes underwater and more blurry than before (if that was even possible) she wasn't sure.

It felt like eternity before she heard the door open again.

“Lance?”

“Try again.”

Oh. “Hi, Keith.” she mumbled.

She heard an exasperated sigh on her left. “Pidge what the fuck? First the contact solution, now this? What is wrong with you today?”

“I’m a little bit distracted is all.” she sighted.

“I’m just glad you’re here now; you gave Hunk a real fright.”

“I’ll apologize later.”

Silence fell between them.

Keith let out another dramatic sigh. “You are incorrigible.”

“I know….”

He chuckled. “I’m kidding; lighten up.” he rubbed circles on the small of her back. “Hey, if anything, we can go get you better glasses. I know you hate these rectangular ones; they make you look like an even bigger nerd.”

“They’re not that bad.” Lance walked into the room. “Hey, Pukey.”

“Speaking of incorrigible.” She could feel Keith rolling his eyes.

“You know it!” she heard the clatter of something being set down. “Alright, Katie you can take your eyes out now. Here.”

She took the towel and dried her face. Her vision was still very blurry, but her eyes didn’t sting like before. She looked down at her hands; they were pretty clear. She tried to look at her shoes as well, but past a certain point her vision was fuzzy. She felt like crying. “Great! I royally fucked up!”

“Hey, it’s okay!” Lance placed a hand on her shoulder, his face was foggy around the edges, even at this proximity. “Let’s try and figure out what you need, okay?”

She nodded. They ran through the eye test, Pidge fully aware that she’d done worse than the last time she’d done this. “Do I need to go to the eye doctor?”

Lance gave her a coy smile. “Yeah, but here!” he handed her a piece of paper. “My tio owns this shop, tell him you’re my friend and I’m certain he’ll give you a discount at least.”

She felt herself blush; Keith must’ve been having the time of his life watching this unfold. “Thank you.”

“Don't mention it. Take these as well; he can always switch the lenses to what you need.” he placed a pair of circular glasses on her face. While they weren't precise, it was an improvement to before. “Better than buying all new ones.”

“Where’d you get those?” Keith asked, taking the paper from Pidge so he could eye the address.

“They were my grandma's; she got new ones, so she doesn't need them anymore.” Lance shrugged.

“Why do you carry these around?” Pidge asked, her tone indicating she was poking fun at him.

“Why do you have battery acid laying around?” Lance cocked his brow, smirk on his face.

“Okay, you know what? I don’t need your sass right now, my eyeballs are damaged.”

“Katelyn, what the fuck are you doing?” Keith asked as he watched her freeze, the momentum she had been building up gone in an instant; her hand was clinging to the railing with a vice like grip.

“Nothing.”

“Sit.” She obliged. He sat next to her. “Okay, so, in the last month you’ve: broken a pinky, nearly blinded yourself, and yesterday I found you trying to get Mrs. Martinez to give you peanut butter.”

“I like it.”

“YOU’RE ALLERGIC, KATIE!” he took a deep breath, his tone dead serious as he spoke. “What's your endgame; hospitalization?! Cause-!” his face dropped. “Oh.”

“Yeah….” she hid her face in her hands.

“ARE YOU FUCKING STUPID!?” Keith bolted up to stand in front of her. “Where you really bout to throw yourself down the fucking stairs so you could go see Lance at the ER? Katie!”

“The battery thing was an accident!” she touched her glasses. The lenses were different but the frame was the one Lance had given her. “At least the end game was….”

"It's doesn't- wait." He looked at her like she was crazy. “You put battery acid in your eyes….ON PURPOSE!?”

“Yes and no? It wasn’t supposed to be battery acid; it was wrongly labeled! The...uh, the rest; the pinky and the solution, those were on purpose….” her voice kept dropping in volume as she spoke, probably realizing how much more stupid what she was saying sounded when said out loud.

Keith sat back down, his face buried in his hands. “Why can't you just talk to him like a normal person?!”

“He’s a nurse! An Emergency Room nurse!” she used her hands for emphasis. “How am I supposed to befriend an ER nurse, Keith?!”

“He calls us Gummy Snakes and Pukey; I think we're past the befriending stage Pidge!”

“I just….” she took a deep breath. “I haven’t liked anyone since Takashi….and that was fifteen years ago. I haven't dated or even taken an interest in anyone for a long time. I don't know what to say or what to do. You saw how you reacted when you saw me acting 'girly'; I’m not the type of girl Lance would want to date. This is probably the only way for me to get close to him….”

Keith felt his heart sting. He’d never seen her like this. “Then you’re both stupid.”

“What?”

“Katie, you’re stupid for doing this shit. What did it get you? A pinky splint, a new prescription, and low self esteem, which you shouldn't have AND brings me to my next point; if Lance doesn't want to date you then he’s stupid. Pidge, you are fucking cool! You make robots for a living! You are hilarious! You're so full of love and care for others that I'm surprised it fits in your tiny body!” Keith brushed the hair out of her eyes, smiling as he met her teary gaze. “Anyone would be stupid not to cherish you.”

“Do you really mean that?”

“Why would I not? Pidge, if I didn’t believe all that I wouldn’t still be your friend after 13 years.”

She wrapped her arms around his torso, letting out a hearty laugh. “Have I told you how much I love you today, Keith Kogane?”

“You have now.” he squeezed her back. Before pulling away from her, holding her by the shoulders. “But try this shit again and I’ll be the one throwing you off the stairs.”

“Noted.”

Pidge looked at herself in the mirror. She’d gotten to bed earlier than usual, and the two extra hours paid off. She was fully aware that five hours of sleep was not the recommended amount, but that's all she could manage.

The bags under her eyes weren’t as aggressive today, and her hair looked okay. She washed her face and her teeth, taking a deep breath as she made eye contact with herself in the mirror.

“You can do this.”

She looked down at herself. Over the years her taste in clothes had become very boy-ish. She looked good in her eyes, but she kept thinking back to all the times the women in her life has suggested she dressed in a more feminine way….was Lance going to be one of those people?

She shook her head. She was Katelyn fucking Holt, and she could handle a nurse with pretty blue eyes.

She rushed out of the apartment, filled with new found confidence and determination. Keith had been feeling a lot better and had taken his bike to work and she currently didn't have a car. She couldn’t call Shiro or Matt, and her scooter had been crushed by a car a while ago. She was also, contrary to what many thought of her and her well-off family, a very cheap person who was not about to pay for a cab when she had a skate board.

She made her way down the streets, thankful the side walk was pretty empty today. She rode for a few blocks, soon turning the corner to go into the parking lot in front of the Emergency Room building. No backing down now.

She sped up a little more trying to get to the front entrance. She didn't have a plan. She realized that asking for a nurse who could be in the middle of their shift was a poor idea. He might not even be there right now. Maybe she could ask the desk for his schedule?

She shook her head, kicking off the ground. She needed to calm down. What’s the worse that could happen?

“Katie!”

She turned to see Lance waving from his car;  holding three coffees in one hand, keys in the other. A cute girl with brown hair was standing next to him.

“Lance....!”

Her skate board hit the sidewalk sending her flying onto the pavement with a grunt.

“KATIE!” shoving the coffee into the brunette's arms he rushed over to her.  He pulled Pidge into his arms. “Okay, Katie, I need you to breath.”

She gasped for air, not having realized she had stopped breathing. She sobbed. “FUCK! Lance it hurts!”  she clutched her leg closer to her chest. She didn't dare open her eyes.

He laid his hand atop hers gently. “Let me see.”

She slowly removed her hands, daring to take a peak. She was thankful she didn't have her glasses on anymore; it was clear there was a lot of blood; she didn't need to properly see what was going on.

He chuckled faking a wince. “Yikes, Katie, this is definitely gonna need stitches.”

She sniffled. “Really!? Keith is gonna kill me!”

“Can’t kill what almost died.” He laughed, he placed a mellow hand on her back. “Can you stand?”

“I-I don't know.” She tried putting weight on her leg, pain shooting through her all the way up to her hip. She stumbled back into Lance’s arms. She blushed. “Sorry, I didn’t-”

“Hey, it’s fine. Wouldn't be the first time someone scraped their knee and fell for me.” She blushed harder, struggling to snap something back at him. He laughed. “Kidding, kidding; wouldn’t want to come between you and Pukey. Let’s go!”

She was about to say something when she felt herself being lifted. She yelped and held onto his neck.

“Jeez, Katie, I know you’re tiny, but you're so light! What are you? A hundred pounds?”

She managed a laugh. “Hundred and fifteen pounds of pure muscle, babe!” she bit her tongue. This wasn’t Keith, she couldn't just throw pet names in the mix.

He chuckled. “Consider me impressed.” he turned to the brunette from before. “I’ll take care of her, call the kid we called last time and let him know she’s here.”

“The puker?”

“That’s the one; help me with her glasses and her board please!” he walked into the building.

“Who’s that?” she couldn't help the bitter tone.

“That’s our intern, she usually handles the paperwork at the front desk." he snorted "She’s a fucking meme.”

She blinked in surprise. “Really?”

“Yeah, I’m surprised her girlfriend can deal with her; you think the nickname ‘Pukey's bad? Try being pet named ‘Mon Petit Merde de Chien’.” he snorted. “She’s not even french, she just likes annoying her girlfriend who actually is.”

She laughed awkwardly; she could do this.”So, what do you call your girlfriend?”

He thought about it for a second. “My ex.”

YES! “Oh, that’s too bad.” She smiled.

“Not really, she just wanted me for convenience; I'm not about that life.” he set her down, shuffling around for the supplies to stitch her leg. “You two are lucky.”

“Who?”

“You and Keith! I’ve dated around; a lot.” he started to disinfect her cut. She winced. “Sorry.” she smiled reassuringly at him. “Like I was saying. I’ve tried to be happy with so many people, but….it never feels quite right. Like….something’s always missing.” he smiled up at her. “You’re lucky in that sense.”

“Actually,” she took a deep breath. “Me and Keith aren’t dating, we’re just friends who live together.”

“Do you two do-the-do too?” she rolled her eyes.

“No! Why does everyone say that!? He’s-!” she stopped herself. It wasn't up to her to tell Lance Keith was gay; that was on him. “He’s just my best friend since the seventh grade! We’re just friends.”

“Haha, I see, sorry for assuming; Pukey never corrected me so....” He started applying the anesthesia to her leg before stitching it. Thankfully she only needed three stitches since the cut wasn't long so much as it was deep. “So, are you seeing anyone?” he looked at her, with a raised brow.

She snorted, “Lance,  I can’t see shit without my glasses.”

He laughed too. “You know what I mean.” he slipped her glasses on for her, she could've sworn his hands lingered on her face for a little bit.

“I do.” she could hear her heart in her ears. “I’m seeing you.”

He blinked, his face flushing a soft red. “Oh, wow, that was good; I’ll give you that one!”

She smirked. “So what do you say?”

“Wait, are you actually asking me out!?” he grabbed her hands in disbelief.

She could feel her palms getting clammy, her confidence shrinking away. “Y-Yeah? Is that bad? It it the clothes? Cause if so, I don’t-”

“No, No, No! I think you’re clothes are adorable!” she blushed, a shy smile on her face. “I’ve just never been asked out before!” He rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. “I’m usually the asker, not the asked.” he shot her a toothy smile. “I’m really flattered, Katie!”

She matched his grin. “You can call me-!”

“PIDGE!” Keith slammed the door open. “WHAT THE HELL, HOLT!?” he stormed over to her, kicking away the skateboard on the floor. “I THOUGHT WE AGREED YOU WEREN'T GONNA DO THIS SHIT ANYMORE!”

“Keith.” she spoke through gritted teeth. “Think about what you’re saying.”

“I am.” he turned to Lance. “Just go out with her already man, she’s been fucking up in purpose just to come see you! And at this rate, neither of us will live past thirty five!”

Pidge was mortified; she felt like she was going to die.

And then suddenly Lance started to laugh. Loud, hearty laughter filled the room, bringing tears to his eyes as he clutched his stomach. Pidge and Keith looked at each other and then at Lance.

“You’re not mad?” Keith asked, looking rather pissed. “She almost ate peanut butter for you!”

“So?” he said between laughs.

“SHE WOULD’VE DIED!” Keith growled. “Don’t you think this was stupid of her!?”

“Oh yeah, for sure! This is stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.” Pidge shrunk in her seat. He lifted her chin so their eyes met. "You know, you could’ve just asked for my number; no need for me to play knight in shining scrubs every few weeks."

“So, is that a 'yes'?” she asked,  a cocky smirk on her face

“It’s a 'definitely'.” he matched her grin.

Keith gagged “I’m starting to think 'Pukey' is an accurate nickname for me.”

Chapter Text

“Are you sure I look fine?” Pidge held out the phone for Allura to see.

“Yeah, the button down looks super cute! I’d loose the hat though.”

Pidge huffed and took it off. She reached over for the brush.

“No, don’t! You look cool like that!” Allura shouted over the video chat. "Like you just rolled out of bed but you don't care!"

“Really?” she looked at herself in the mirror.

Rolled sleeves, green overalls, and a gold watch. Huh! She did look pretty good.

“So, should I do something to my face?”

“What do you mean?”

“Like, makeup or something?”

“Do you even own any?”

She paused. “No, you’re right; I’m over thinking this.” she sighted. “Why am I so worried?”

“It’s normal, Pidge; you’re just excited!” she laughed.

“Well, duh! Allura you haven't see him! He’s like the surfer dude’s in the movies! And I’m like one of the little kids that play baseball in the background or something.”

“You need to relax! You said he was looking forward to this!”

“He is! I think....” she walked over to her room, sitting on her bed. “But that’s because this is the first time he gets asked out! It’s not like he was asked out by someone like you or anything!”

“What’s THAT supposed to mean?” Allura raised a brow.

“You know; Tall, lean, banging bod. I’m like a scrawny preteen boy!”

Allura laughed again. “First off, those are not the hips of any boy!” Pidge blushed. “Second, you have a banging bod too! So what if I’m taller and have more boobs than you? They’re there, Pidge, you just need a better bra!”

“I like sport bras!”

“They make you look flat chested!”

“Whatever!” she giggled.

“Do you know what shoes you’re going to wear? Are you taking a purse? What about a jacket?”

“It doesn’t matter; he’ll be here soon anyways.”

“PIDGE!” She screeched into the phone.

“What!?”

“Do you want to keep him interested?”

“Yeah….?”

“Then make him glad he had to wait for it.”

She smirked. “Okay.”

On the other side of the closed door, Keith sat with his legs propped up on the coffee table. He was only half paying attention to the movie he was watching. Shiro sat next to him on the floor, trying to sort through some of the pictures Keith had taken yesterday for a different company.

“You know, if Allura finds these she might get mad.”

He smirked. “I take it they’re good pictures then?”

Shiro sat on the couch. “You took them; of course they’re good.”

There was a knock on the door. Keith grunted as he got up to get it. Upon opening the door he was greeted with a smiling Lance, looking very good in the tank top and button down convo he was wearing. Keith felt himself blush

“Hey, Pukey!”

And the blush was gone. He furrowed his brow un-amused. “Hey, Lance.”

“Is Katie ready to go?”

“Not sure; come in.”

“Thanks.” he looked around. “This is a killer place you got here! It’s cleaner than the one I share with my brothers.”

“How many do you have?”

“Two; I also have two sisters.” he laughed as Keith’s mouth fell open. “My parent’s really love each other; how about you? Any siblings?”

“That be me!” Shiro shouted from the couch.

Lance made his way other there. “Hey, I remember you! You came to see Pukey when he crashed his bike!”

Keith slapped his forehead as Shiro laughed. “Is that the only impression he made on you?”

“The only one worth mocking anyways!” Lance laughed. “But from the few encounters I've had with him I can tell he’s a softy with a big heart; no matter how much black he might wear.”

He smirked at Keith, who suddenly felt the need to take off his rainbow colored socks. “If you say so, Lance.”

Keith made eye contact with Shiro, who flashed him a smile. Keith didn’t know why, but for some reason that smile felt forced.

“What’cha you got there?” Lance eyed the photographs on the table.

“Oh, they’re for a magazine; nothing special.”

“No, these are great!” Lance picked one up, his face in serene state as he traced his fingers over the image of a well-dressed trio looking out to the sun rise. “You have an eye for perfection, Keith.”

The blush was back. He looked at Lance from the corner of his eye. He noticed how smooth his skin looked, and how the dimples on his cheeks were evident even with the smallest of smiles.

“I really do.” he whispered, almost to himself.

“Wow, conceited much?”

The three of them turned to see Pidge leaning against the wall. Keith was about to compliment her when he noticed she wasn’t looking at him.

He heard Lance chuckle. “Well! Someone cleans up nice!” he walked over there, leaning against the wall, towering over her. “Cute bandages by the way, Tony Hawk.”

She playfully punched him in the shoulder. “Oh, shut up!” she walked over to Keith and Shiro, a big smile on her face. “Well, we’re off! I promise to win you something at the fair, Honey Buns!”

“What about me?” Shiro raised a brow.

She snorted. “I’ll try and win you something too you big baby!” she turned back to Keith. “Do I look okay?” she whispered, her smile faltering.

He couldn't help but beam at her. “Better.” she grinned and hugged him. He pulled away. “Holy crap, you’re wearing perfume this must be serious.”

She rolled her eyes. “Har har!” she walked over to Lance, signaling she was ready to go. “Later!”

“BRING HER BACK BY TWELVE!” Shiro shouted from the couch, not bothering to look away from the tv.

“What are you, her dad?” he cocked a brow, a grin playing at the corners of his mouth.

“Yes.” all three of them answered automatically.

Lance faltered for a second, unsure if they were kidding or not before deciding they were. “Alrighty then, seem’s were playing ‘Cinderella’ today.”

“Looks like it.” Pidge laughed. She opened the door for him with a bow. He curtsied in return. She laughed, shouting a last goodbye before walking out.

Keith let out a breath he didn't know he’d been holding. Something felt weird.

“You okay?” Shiro asked.

Keith walked back over, plopping down in the couch and re-assuming his legs-on-table position.

“Yeah, yeah….” he said, his mind wandering off elsewhere. “Just….peachy.”

Shiro didn’t press it.

“You are totally scared!” Pidge teased as they stepped into the cart for the haunted house, because, of course, it’s the best way to start any date at a fair.

“I am so not scared!” Lance said as he eyed the cart suspiciously. “I must admit though, I do not like the fact that we're in a caged cart.”

“Don't be such a baby!” she said as she scooted closer to him when the cast started moving.

“I’m not!”

Needless to say they were both babies. By the end of the ride, Pidge was wrapped in Lance’s arms and they both looked pretty shook.

“S-See!?” Lance chuckled awkwardly. “I’m wasn’t scared!”

“Neither was I!” she pulled away from his grasp.

“Then why are you still on my lap?”

She yelped and pulled herself away, her cheeks a little flushed. Pidge cleared her throat. “I’m not!”

“Anymore!” he laughed. “Come on!” he hopped off the cart, waiting for her to get off before walking away from the ride. “What shall we ride next?”

She thought for a moment. “What are you in the mood for?”

He looked around and grinned as he focused his gaze on a specific ride. “That!” Pidge turned to see what he was looking at.

It was one of those rides that swung like a pendulum, leaving you at a ninety degree angle from the ground. She felt her adrenaline kicking in already.

“Let’s do it!”

The evening seemed to be in fast forward for the first half of their night. They went on all the fast and rough rides before they ate; she didn't need to be nicknamed ‘Pukey number 2’.

As they got out of the Gravitron, struggling to not sway and stumble, Pidge tripped over the last step, landing on Lance’s back.

“Careful, Katie, don’t go falling for me!” he smirked.

Even though she knew her face was probably bright red, she was having too much of a good time to back down now. “Might be a little late for that, McClain.”

“God, I hope so.” he winked at her.

She buried her face between his shoulder blades. “You win this round!”

“Psh! Baby, I win ALL the rounds!” he grabbed her legs and pulled her onto his back. She yelped and grabbed onto his shoulders with a laugh.

“Put me down, you dork!”

“No way! If I put you down, you’re gonna scamper to another ride and I’m getting hungry!”

She rolled her eyes. “Fine.” she adjusted herself, trying to ignore the fact that he had a pretty solid grip on her thighs. “Onward, my trusted steed!”

“I’m not a fucking horse, Pidge!” He did started walking a little faster though.

“Lance!” she gasped happily. “You called me ‘Pidge’!”

He stopped for a second. “Oh, I’m sorry! Am I allowed to? Or is that a Keith-and-Katie thing?”

“No, on the contrary!” she smiled. “It’s a nickname my brother gave me; I love it when people call me that!”

“Sound’s like a pokemon name.”

She snickered. “Are you trying to make fun of me?”

“Is it working?”

“No!”

“Then no.”

She giggled. “What are you hungry for? I saw some food trucks by the ticket stands earlier.”

“Let's go find out then!”

As they walked, Pidge noticed they were getting a few stares. She wasn’t sure if Lance was picking up on them or not, or if he even cared for that matter. But Pidge could feel her cheeks burning.

She was NOT used to being looked at. She was a main crowd kinda girl; the only time she really stood out was during academic award ceremonies or at the lab. And even then, it was never like the looks she was getting now.

Some were from girls probably wondering the same thing she was; ‘what was someone like her doing with someone like Lance?’. Others were from girls with their boyfriends, probably wanting a piggy-back ride as well. There was also the few eyes that traced her body, checking her out. She didn't love it, but it certainly boosted her confidence.

She wondered if this is how Allura felt.

“Alright, let’s see….” Lance’s voice snapped her back into reality. He was looking around the trucks, trying to spot something that they might enjoy. “How about burritos?”

“Sounds good to me!”

He set her down gently; Pidge would never admit she suddenly felt cold at the absence of his back. “Alright, go save us a seat; what would you like?”

She smirked at him. “What do you think?”

“No; fam, you can’t play this game with someone who doesn't know what you like, dislike, or are allergic to!”

She thought for a moment, staring at the menu. “Like; chilly, cheddar, beans, guac, lettuce. Dislike; tomatoes and onions.” she smiled affectionately as she watched him use his fingers to run through her likes and dislikes in his head. “Also, feed me peanuts and I'll choke and die.”

“Noted.” he turned to make his way to the queue.

“Wouldn't mind choking on you, though.” she whispered under her breath, tracing her gaze up his legs.

“What was that?”

“NOTHING!” she rushed over to an empty table.

She took a deep breath. So far so good. They’d been having a lot of fun and they seemed to have good chemistry! This was fine! She needed to chill and allow herself to be the way she always was; like she was with her friends and with Keith.

She pulled out her phone. She was gonna text Keith to let him know how she was doing when someone sat down at her table. She was about to say something stupid, thinking it was Lance, when she was met with a pair of aggressive green eyes and a head of sleek red hair.

“Hello...” Pidge set her phone down, raising a brow. “Can I help you?”

“Are you a chick?” her question was so genuine it actually hurt Pidge’s feelings.

“Yes, I am.”

“Is he your boyfriend?”

“What? No, he’s-”

“I TOLD YA!” she stood up, walking over to her friends. Pidge felt her anger escalate as she saw the other two girls take out some money.

“HEY!” she walked over to them. “For your fucking information, I plan on making him my boyfriend sooner or later, so kindly fuck off and stop betting on it!”

She didn't wait for their response or their reactions, as she saw Lance looking around for her, and felt the need to make some people mad in addition to proving her point.

“There you are!” He smirked as they sat down. “A burrito for a Pidgerrito.”

She blinked at him in disbelief. “Damnit Lance! I came over her with the intent of being flirtatious and sexy and you just fucked up the mood.”

“What?!” he flushed. “Why?”

“Cause ‘Pidgeritto’? Really? That’s, like, ten times worse than ‘Pukey’!”

“No, not that!” he hid his mouth with the back of his hand. “Why were you gonna....attempt to seduce me?!”

“Oh, no! I-Not like that!” she felt herself blush too. “I just-There were these girls! They didn't believe we were on a date, and they bet on it, and I got mad! I-ah, no, never mind; doesn't matter.”

He eyed her for a moment before casually putting his arm around her and leaning in; his lips practically pressed to her neck. She sucked in a breath, her palms suddenly very clammy and her face very hot.

“Which ones, the red head and the two blondes with her?”

“Huh?”

“Cause the redhead just handed the blonde's some money; she looks pissed.”

“O-OH! Right! Yeah, those three.” she laughed awkwardly, reaching over for her food.

He pulled his face so he could make eye contact with her. He smirked. “What did you think I was gonna do, Katelyn Holt?”

“I will shove this burrito down your throat.”

He laughed. He too reached for his tin covered food, but he kept his arm gently resting over her shoulder. She smiled, scooting closer.

“So, how long have you been a nurse?”

“Since I graduated med school; started as a nurse at a pediatrician's office, but the doctor I regularly assisted said I should aim bigger; so I did.” he took a long sip from his drink. “Now I work ten to twelve hours a day Monday to Friday, and have forgotten what sleep is.”

She laughed. “Same here, except I purposefully stay wake.”

“Why?! You’re insane!” he took a bite out of his burrito. “I’d give anything to have more time to sleep!”

“I work with fucking robots, Lance; ROBOTS! Our lab is currently working with Nasa on Rover designs! My job is the coolest shit ever! I’d lose three days of sleep if I had to. I’m their youngest engineer ever! I need to prove I deserve it.”

“I’m sure you do; I’d love to see your work sometimes, since you’ve seen mine already; and on purpose, no less, you crazy munch."

She rolled her eyes dramatically, speaking through a full mouth. "Are you and Keith ever gonna let me forget that?"

"Never!" he smirked. "How’s the knee, by the way?”

“Way better; when do I get these off again?”

“Pidge, it’s been three days, give it a week or so.”

“Fine!” she took the last bite of her burrito. “These aren’t bad for fair food. But I still wanna get something sweet after this.”

“The night's still young, little lady; we haven't gotten to the carnival games yet.”

“Holy shit, you're right let's go!”

She pulled him by the arm, not caring that he wasn't done eating yet. They raced through the crowd trying not to get separated until they got to the ring toss game.

“Wanna win a stuffy for your girl?” the worker asked.

“You know it!” Lance took out his wallet, then stopped for a second. He smirked at her, his cheeks dusted pink. “I need my other hand to pay the man, Katie.”

She let go of his hand, not realizing she’d grabbed onto it earlier. “Sorry.”

He smiled at her, handing the man the money. “Pick a prize, whichever one; I’ll get it for you.”

She looked around the the tent. “Lets see….” her eyes darted from the small prizes to the medium ones to the large ones. Her eyes landed on the medium size prizes. “I want the green lion over there!”

“You’re wish is my command!” he turned to the guy. “How many rings is that?”

“Three, but you can upgrade if you still have two out of the five rings.”

Lance laughed, turning to her once more. “You wanna see the best payoff of being a nurse?” she nodded. “The reason they call me Lance ‘The Tailor’ McClain is not only cause of how I thread the needle for stitching;” she rolled her eyes. “But also because of my precision when it comes to getting things inside a tiny hole, A.K.A; ring toss games!”

Pidge couldn't hide the surprise and pure delight as he flawlessly got every ring on a bottle.

The worker whistled. “You delivered; colored me impressed.” he unhooked the lion from the stand. “You have enough to get a small prize too; what would you like princess?” he smiled at Pidge.

She looked around the smaller shelve; they were mostly Beanie Boos and random cartoon characters. She spotted a little BMO among the mix. “That one!”

“Here you go!” he handed them over. “You both have have yourselves a nice night.”

“You too!” Pidge called out as Lance stirred her towards the other games. “Oh, lets do the balloon popping one! I see something I want to win you!”

He cocked a brow. “I’m the one that supposed be winning you stuff!”

She thought for a moment. “How about you win something for Keith? You already won me two things, and the big baby’s gonna cry if I don’t bring him something.”

“Fine, but I’m gonna pop a shit ton to be able to get you something too!”

“Lance no!” she laughed as they reached the stand. “How about you treat me to cotton candy after this instead?”

“Deal!” he handed the clerk some money and passed her five darts. “How many for the large prizes?”

“All five darts.”

“Alright, Pidgey! Let’s see who can pop the most balloons!”

She cheated. In retrospect, since that was supposed to be a price for Keith, she should’ve allowed him to do good. But after he missed the first throw when she sneezed, she decided it was too funny to not mess him up.

“Pidge, for fuck’s sake, at this rate Keith's gonna get the stickers as a prize!” she laughed and surrendered. He threw his remaining darts, popping their respective balloons with a perfect hit. “Your turn.”

Pidge was not as precise. Thankfully she was aiming for a medium prize, cause one of her darts missed the board completely, impaling itself in the neck of a giraffe.

“Not bad!” Lance smirked at her.

“I know.” she winked a him. “What are you gonna get Keith?”

“I don’t know….” he looked over the bottom shelf where the small prizes were. This particular booth had only hand made stuff, which was what had caught Pidge’s attention in the first place. He eyed a little felt lion with fondness in his eyes. “I’ll take the red one; that way you guys will match!”

“Oh, yeah, you’re right!” she held up the bag with her other stuffed animals so he could put it inside. “Ready to see what I wanted for you?”

“Is that even a question!?” he seemed really excited.

“Close your eyes!’

“Fine!” he extended his hands, making a grabbing motion. Pidge pointed to what she wanted, and the clerk put it in his arms. “Can I open them?”

“Yeah!”

He looked down at a crocheted pigeon, feeling a laugh bubble from within him. “Katie, I hope you know this will be named after you.”

“Good; it’s your reminder that I exist!” she smiled at him with an affectionate eyes.

“I’m glad you do.” he matched her expression. “How about that cotton candy?”

“Yes, please!” she reached to take his hand, stopping herself right before she did. “Sorry!”

“Stop doing that!” she looked at him, concerned she’d made him uncomfortable; instead he was looking at her with the most infatuating gaze she’d ever seen. “Stop apologizing for something I want you to do!” he laced his fingers with hers, taking his time getting to the cotton candy stand, not wanting to let go of her hand to pay anyone any time soon.

Pidge caught the time on the clock next to the register and she felt her happiness drain out of her. “It’s already eleven sixteen?! That went by so fast!’

Lance nodded. “Not to mention you have to be home by twelve and this place was pretty far away.” he closed his eyes, probably working out some math in his head. “I think we still have time for the Ferris Wheel if you want to ride! There’s three so one of them has to have a smaller line.”

She nodded, taking a bite of cotton candy as Lance payed the man. He took the bag of stuffed animals from her, so that he could hold her spare hand. She was not shy to show she was very please about this.

They didn't have to wait long for the Ferris Wheel. They sat opposite to each other, their legs touching as they started to go around. They were quiet for a few seconds before the stillness was interrupted by hushed voices, as if discussing something intimate.

“Katie?”

“Lance.”

He chuckled. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For everything! For asking me out, for winning me a pigeon, for holding my hand; everything about today has been amazing.”

They’re eyes met. His hair was tousled from all the rides and he looked a little sweaty from running around in the warm night air. His eyes were filled with wonder; they seemed to dance in the bright lights from the fair. His lips were curled into a small smile.

She swallowed hard.

The wind passed through the grated walls, cooling the blush on her face. She hesitated a little, but eventually she leaned in, “I have something else you can thank me for.” barely a whisper.

“What’s that?” he matched her tone. He’s eyes were playful and cocky, and he didn't make much of an effort to get closer to her, which only drew her in more. Her hands settled on either side of him.

She hovered above him for a second. Then she leaned in, brushing her lips against his. “That.” she sat back down, her face ablaze.

He was quiet for a moment, and she didn't dare look up, terrified of what expression he might have on his face.

“Not enough.” he said. The balance in the cabin shifted as he threw himself onto his knees in front of her, pulling her down to kiss him properly. "Not nearly enough."

He tasted like cotton candy.

“Oh Keith~!” she sing-songed into the house, her face still rather flushed and her eyes in a dreamy daze. “Where are you~?”

“Not here!” he mumbled from the couch where he’d fallen asleep not long after Shiro left. He sat up, turning off the tv before walking over to her. “What’s the time?” he asked groggily.

“Twelve o'six!” he could tell she was smiling. “Just a little late to spite Shiro, but I see he’s not here.”

“How’d it go?” he tried rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, just enough so he wouldn't pass out on his way to his room.

“Oh my God, KEITH! I DON'T EVEN HAVE THE WORDS!” she sighted. She shuffled through a bag and pulled something out. “I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow, but for now go to bed!” she grabbed his hand and pressed something into his palm before closing his fingers around it. “This is from Lance. Night!” She pressed a kiss to his cheek and with that she was gone.

He gave her door a small smile as he walked into his room and over to the lamp he’d left on earlier. He opened his palm to reveal a handmade felt lion; red like his jacket.

He felt his heart skip a beat.

“This is….” he smiled to himself, holding the lion close to his heart. “Really sweet of him; thank you….”

He looked at himself in the mirror. He frowned.

Something didn’t sit right with him. He wanted to talk to Pidge, ask her about the date. He pictured her face in his mind, flushed and looking like her head was miles away. He grit his teeth. He didn’t understand this sudden surge of emotions; he didn't like them. He’d never felt this way towards Pidge before; what was wrong with him?

Keith shook his head and turned off the light. He touched his cheek where she kissed him, fighting his need to rub it off. He climbed into bed.

He tossed and turned, all the drowsiness he’d been feeling before had vanished. He sighted. He needed to calm down; he was probably just tired.

He turned again and felt himself relax. He felt like an idiot for admitting that the lion on his bedside helped fall asleep that night, but he'd be lying if he said he it didn’t make him feel all warm and pleasant as he closed his eyes.

Chapter Text

“Large Macchiato Espresso?”

“That’d be me!” Keith walked over to the barista, giving him a small smile as he took the coffee. “Thanks.”

“No problem; make sure to look at the receipt, handsome!” He winked as he walked away to prepare another order.

Keith raised his cup; there was a number surrounded by hearts in the corner of the receipt.

“Look’s like someone’s a people magnet!” Keith felt shivers course up his spine. “It’s probably cause they don’t know you, Pukey.”

Keith turned around, a small smirk on his face. “And you think you know me, ‘Boba tea’?”

Lance’s grin dropped, his face reddening. “Pidge told you.”

“Pidge tells me many things.” Keith laughed, leaning against the counter. “I can’t believe a nurse almost choked to death; on a boba pearl, no less!”

“Hey! In my defense, I’d never had bubble tea before, I didn’t know what to expect!” he leaned opposite to him on the wall.

“Then maybe you shouldn’t have lied and told her it was ‘your all time favorite thing’.” Keith felt his smirk widen as Lance flushed in further embarrassment.

“I need to have a conversation with Katie about what she can and can’t share.” he grumbled.

Keith laughed. “You do realize she’ll tell me anyways right?” Lance rolled his eyes, a smile threatening to appear on his face. “What can she tell me according to you?”

He shrugged, a laugh escaping his lips. “I don’t know man, how about the fact that I make an amazing museum tour guide-!”

“She said you mispronounced ‘Katsushika Hokusai’.”

“Or that I’m the king of Mario Kart-”

“She says you only won cause she got blue-shelled.”

"Or that I'm basically a marine biologist-"

"I don't think 'nemo' is the actual name of the species, Lance."

He huffed. “Well, how ‘bout the fact that I’m getting her coffee before our date to the mercado?”

Keith stopped laughing, suddenly feeling a pit in his stomach. “You’re going on a date with Pidge….today?”

Lance stopped his giggling too. “She didn’t tell you?”

“No, she did; I just thought she was gonna cancel on you….”

“WHAT!? WHY!?” Lance stood up straight.

“There was a-” Lance’s phone rang.

He took it out. “It’s Pidge.” he looked at Keith with panicked eyes. “What do I do?”

Keith looked at him incredulously. “What do you think!? Pick it up, you dumbass!”

“But what do I say!?”

Keith was starting to panic too on his behalf. “I don't fucking know, pick up the phone, Lance!”

“Hello?” he hesitated, his eyes darting from Keith to the floor, then the walls, then back. “Yeah, I know it’s you, Katie-I mean, Pidge! Haha, what’s up?” He looked at Keith, mouthing something about helping him. “No, I’m fine; why do you ask?”

Keith tried not to laugh, Lance looked so helpless it was almost adorable; it WAS adorable. Keith had to hide his mouth with his hands to not laugh out loud.

Suddenly Lance’s nervous smile faltered. “O-Oh, yeah, no I totally understand.” He straighten up, a warm smile spreading on his face. Keith stopped laughing, feeling the heat creep up his cheeks. “Katie, Katie.....” he paused before chuckling. “Do your best; I believe in you.” another pause, another chuckle. “I like you too, Pidge. Talk to you later.” he hung up, taking a deep breath.

“So, did she tell you?” Keith asked.

“Yeah, I hope they win the contest; she deserves the recognition. I don't think I'd have the patience to fix a robot that keeps breaking down over and over.”

“Hey, you never know; you have the patience for her!”

He laughed “That’s true.” his smile faltered again. “I had a whole day planned today; is it selfish of me that I kinda want her to choose me over her career?” he laughed, but didn’t give Keith a chance to answer. “I asked for the day off for nothing too!” Keith could tell he was more than a little disappointed.

“White Vanilla Bean Frappucino and Peach Green Tea Lemonade!”

“That’s me.” Lance leaned in to grab his drinks.

To any on looker (and to Keith), it looked like he was leaning in for a kiss. Keith took a sip of his espresso; he needed to get his head out of the gutter.

“Hey, Keith?”

“Yeah?” He looked at him over his cup. Lance looked like he had that night at the Emergency Room; with the sun shining behind him, making him looked heaven-sent.

He smiled, and Keith swore his legs almost gave out. “Let’s go on a date today.”

Keith knew why he was here; because Lance didn’t want to spend his day off alone and have it be wasted. Keith knew that. He kept telling himself there was no other reason.

After having spat his espresso all over the place (“Hey, you can be ‘Spity’ instead of ‘Pukey’!”), and Lance explaining that he DID have to go to the market, and wanted Keith to come with, the two of them made their way to Lance’s car.

The ride there was quiet, mostly because Keith spend it staring at Lance as he sang along to show tunes as he drived. Keith wondered if he and Pidge would sing the duets together.

Keith looked down at the frappucino melting in one of the cup holders.

He was only here cause Katie was not.

“We’re here!” Lance said as he parked his car. “You hungry?”

“Not really, I’d just had breakfast before we met at the coffee shop.”

“Alright then we’ll just parade around today, but next time I’m gonna treat you to Mexican food.”

“Like Chipotle?”

Lance looked at him with disgust. “You have so much to learn, mijo.”

Keith rolled his eyes. “Just show me around, you ass!”

They strolled through the food portion of the mercado. Every now and then, Lance would stop to say hi to some of the ladies selling vegetables. They’d all talk loudly in Spanish as he and Lance walked away.

Keith turned to Lance, who was currently having a nice chat with an old man and his wife. He wished he'd paid more attention during Spanish class in high school.

He felt a tug on his pants and he looked down to find a little girl with brown skin, her hair in braids. “Tu eres su novio, verda? Yo siempre pensé que Lance tenía novia pero ya veo que no!”

“Marianita, no!” Lance pulled the little girl away from Keith, his cheeks a little red. “El es un amigo! Y si, si tengo novia; namas no vino hoy!”

“Si tu lo dices!” she ran towards the other little girls in the corner.

Lance sighted. “Come on!” He stirred Keith away with an arm around his shoulders. “The girls here are chismosas as fuck.”

“What'd she say?” Keith asked, looking back at the girls, who were now giggling at them along with the old ladies from before.

“They think you’re Pidge, and they’re very confused cause ‘Lance, the Pidge you brought has a dick!’.” Lance rolled his eyes, failing to not be amused by them. “You should be glad you can’t understand half of what their saying.”

“Why?” Keith raised a brow.

Lance smirked. “It’s about us fucking.”

“Would it really be that bad?” Keith almost slapped himself. The way he'd said that hadn’t come out jokingly at all.

Lance whistled, oblivious to the suggestive tone in Keith’s voice. “I don’t know man, I’m quality porn star material; how does you body look under all that plaid and leather?”

Keith laughed, easing back into playful banter. “Better than you could ever imagine.”

Lance snorted. “I’m sure; let's go, I need to go buy shoes.”

“You buy shoes at the mercado?” Keith said that not in a judging way, more of a ‘I-didn’t-think-this-place-full-of-food-selled-shoes’ kinda way.

“It’s where I bought my knock-off yeezys that SOMEBODY” Lance cocked a brow as Keith blushed. “Puked all over.”

He looked at Lance, who was doing his best not to burst out in laughter, and with a dead serious face, Keith turned on his heel. “I gotta go.”

Lance laughed as he grabbed Keith’s hand to keep him in place. His laughter was so nice to hear, but Keith was completely frozen thanks to the warm grip on his hand. His face felt totally flushed; he was pretty sure even his ears were red.

Lance sighed as he finally collected himself. “Alright, alright; don’t leave me.” Keith turned to see him smiling at him. “Let’s go!”

Keith let himself be pulled by Lance, his hand still holding onto his.

Everything slowed down. He noticed the little things he’d been missing the past few weeks; the way Lance’s hair curled at the edges, the way freckles dusted his nose after the little time they’d been out in the sun. For the first time he saw how long his eyelashes were, and how neatly filed he kept his nails.

He noticed for the first time why every time Lance picked up Katie he was uncomfortable. How every time he prayed that he’d arrive a little earlier so they could talk. He noted how every time Lance and Pidge walked in from a date he’d become reclusive; especially if they touched in any way in front of him.

He became aware of how the lion Lance won him at the fair was still by his bed. How the postcard they got him from the art museum was taped to his mirror, and the pen they got him from the aquarium was always tucked in the pocket of his jacket. He was now very aware of how disappointed he was every time they didn't bring him anything from their dinner and movie dates; as if they’d forgotten about him, though he knew this wasn’t true.

He realized how unbelievably overjoyed he was when Katie had told him she couldn't make it to her date with Lance today; how he found himself dressing in his best pair of pants and running a comb through his hair for the first time in years. How he suddenly found himself at their meeting spot, having walked there as if on autopilot.

He squeezed Lance’s hand, just to make sure he wasn't dreaming. The man in question looked back at him with a blinding smile; Keith felt the need to wear shades.  

“You okay?” Lance asked. Keith only now noticed they’d come to a stop before a stand selling off-brand sneakers.

“Yeah….” it came out in a hushed whisper.

“You sure?” Lance returned his gaze to the shoes.

“Peachy….” his mouth felt dry.

“Oh! I like these; they’re my size too!” Lance took his hand away to pick up the sneakers. Keith slipped his into his back pocket. “What do you think?”

“They’re nice.”

“Hmm.” Lance looked at him for a second. Then he turned to the man at the stand, handing over some cash. “I’ll take em.” he took the bag with his new shoes and turned to Keith once more. Lance didn’t fail to notice his mood this time. “Come on; I know what’ll cheer you up.”

Without hesitation, Lance grabbed Keith by his arm, pulling at it till his hand was back in Lance’s. Keith gasped, allowing himself to be dragged through the crowd once more.

Was Lance aware of what he was doing to him? Was he aware of what he was doing overall? Was this on purpose? What about Katie? This felt so surreal he could hear guitars in his head.

Nope, those were not in his head; those were actual guitars. There was a whole fucking mariachi band to be exact, playing for the men and women dancing in the square. Keith almost slapped himself when Lance dropped his bag to the side and offered him a hand.

“Why?” Keith hoped it didn't come out as pained as it felt.

“What do you mean why? Keith Kogane when was the last time anyone felt sad while dancing?”

“You clearly have never tried rocking out to ‘Linkin Park’ or ‘My Chemical Romance’.” Keith could feel a small smirk on his face.

Lance rolled his eyes. “Oh shut up, emo lord.” Keith snorted. “Come on! Dance, dance!” he stopped before smirking. “Come fall out, boy.”

Keith cringed, but took his hand as Lance backtracked into the center of the dance floor. “That’s the worst thing I’ve ever heard.”

“Oof! Compared to all the other worst things I’ve said over the last two months?!” Lance took his other hand and started to sway him side to side. “I’m wounded!”

“Okay, okay….” Keith started swinging to the beat too, matching Lance’s steps. “I guess ‘Pukey’ is definitely the worst of the worst.”

Lance laughed, spinning Keith. Lance laced his fingers with his, pulling towards and away from him. Keith laughed as well.

“Do you sweep Pidge off her feet like this too?”

Lance thrusted him away, using his free hand to dramatically cover his heart. “No, not yet.” he pulled Keith back, who yelped as Lance wrapped his arms around him and spoke into his ear. “But apparently I’ve swept you?”

Keith laughed, the nerves starting to creep back up on him. “Like dust under the rug.” he unwrapped himself from Lance’s grasp, returning to their original dancing position. “Who does that shit anyways? That’s such a half tidy move.”

Lance laughed. “Hey, can I ask you something?”

“Shoot.” Keith spun Lance so he couldn't see the blush on his cheeks.

“It’s about Katie.” Keith's heart sank. He would've tripped over his own two feet if it wasn't for Lance’s steady grip on him.  "I'm thinking of dating her; like, officially, you know? Making her my girlfriend! What do you think?"

Keith felt his entire world cracking. He spun Lance into his arms, taking in his warmth, his smell, his eyes. He tried to bite his tongue; he really did.

But he couldn’t.

"Don’t."

Lance unwrapped himself from his arms and his hands. Keith wanted nothing more in the world than to pull him back. “What? Why not...?"

Keith could feel himself start to sweat. "She’s not really into labels." he choked out.

“Maybe, but, Keith, don't you think this time’s different?” Lance stepped closer to him, Keith traid very hard not to back away. “Like, maybe she feels the same way I do! Maybe-Maybe this is worth labeling by this point! I think-! I think I’m in love with her!” Keith didn’t say anything. “Keith.” nothing. “Keith, please just look at me.” he did. Lance was looking at him with pleading eyes. Keith stopped breathing. “Just give me some reassurance! I mean, I have no reason not to try right?”

“You do.” stop talking. Stop talking. STOP TALKING.

“What is it then?” his tone was a little annoyed.

“No, never mind; it’s nothing….!” Stop. For her sake; please stop.

“Spit it out, Kogane!”

“I said it’s nothing, just forget it!”

“Keith, why shouldn’t I date Katie?!”

"Lance-"

"JUST TELL ME!"

“BECAUSE I’M HERE TOO!” He couldn’t stop himself from pressing a kiss to Lance's lips. He pulled away, looking anywhere but at him as he kept speaking. “Didn’t you consider the small possibility that I might like you too?! Granted, I didn’t realize it at first either, but-!” He gulped, feeling his pulse quicken by the second. “Is-Isn’t there a small chance you could like me instead?!”

Time stopped. The music stopped. The laughing, the clapping, the dancing; everything had stopped after his outburst. Lance eyes widen, as if finally comprehending what Keith had confessed.

He was blushing. He was sweaty and disheveled, and he was covering his mouth with his hand. “Keith, I-! I-I-I didn’t-! I didn’t-” he struggled to find the right words; any words.

Keith looked around. Women, men, children; everyone was staring.

He ran for it, forcing himself to go faster every time Lance called out his name.

He felt the tears slip down his face.

What the fuck had he done?

When he got home, he didn’t announce his entrance like he usually did.

He looked around the apartment he’d lived in for a good chunk of his life now. The walls were covered in picture frames, and while usually this was very endearing to him, today he wanted nothing more than to take them down.

He walked into the kitchen and sat in a stool by the counter. Before returning home he’d gone just about everywhere; bookstores; art supply stores, a game stop, and even stopped by the mall just to stroll around without actual aim like most of the shoppers.

In other words; he’d been delaying his arrival home.

What was he supposed to say? He’d told Katie he’d go for coffee and come back. Instead he got coffee, hijacked her date, confessed to essentially falling in love with said date the night he puked on his shoes, and to top it off: he’d kissed him. HE KISSED HIM FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!

He took a deep breath.

Lance had surely called her already; had they laughed it off? Did they fight? What if they’d broken up?

He snapped up.

Could people break up if they weren't officially together?!

He grunted.

Why was he so stupid!? What had come over him? He’d been living in happy obliviousness for more than a month! Why did it have to be today of all days that the cat clawed it's way out of the bag?

“Keith!” Pidge popped her head into the kitchen, strolling over to sit on the counter in front of him. “There you are! We were getting worried! Turn your phone on, fucker.”

“Hey, Katie.” wait. “‘We’?”

She frowned. “‘Katie’?” she crossed her arms. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” he lied. “Who’s ‘we’?”

“Me and Lance.” he hoped she didn't catch the way he flinched at his name. “He said you two spent the day together.”

“He did?” Keith asked, surprise a little to evident in his tone.

She cocked a brow. “Yeah….Did you not?”

“No, we did.” he nodded.

She shrugged with a smile. “I think it’s nice of you to accompany him to get new shoes after you puked on his old ones.”

“Right; it was no problem.”

“I’m glad you two are getting along.” she had no idea. “Where’d you go after?”

Based on the fact she didn’t bring it up; Keith chose not to bring it up either. “Around; I didn’t feel like coming home just yet.”

“Fair enough;” she laughed. “It smelled like smoke in here for a while; I know you hate the smell.”

“It’s a bad smell.” he chuckled, starting to feel at ease again.

“True, true.” she wrapped her arms around him, resting her chin on his head. He relaxed into her lap, wrapping his arms around her waist. “So....did Lance say anything about me?”

He was about to lie again. He didn't want to. He took a shaky breath. “Actually, Katie-”

“Oh, my God, what’d he say?” she pulled away to look at him, her eyes filled with giddy.

“He mentioned…..” he felt a small smirk pull at his lips. “Actually, that’s something he’s gotta tell you himself.”

“NO! Keith! I don’t want to wait until tomorrow!”  she laughed, punching him gently in the shoulder. “You’re the worst best friend slash wingman ever.”

He laughed awkwardly, “Maybe I wasn’t meant to be a wingman.”

“Maybe….” she was silent for a second. The expression she had was so peaceful and serene it almost didn’t feel like he was looking at a real person. This was a face you saw carved on a statue or in a work of art. “Do you….” she chuckled. “Keith can I be honest with you?” Keith felt his stomach drop as she fell silent once more.

Please don’t. “Yeah, sure….”

“I think I’m in love with him.” she ran a hand through her hair. “It’s been two months, and we’re not official; but there’s something about him; no matter how stupid he can be.” her infatuated eyes stared off at the ceiling. “He’s kind, and reliable; he knows how to make me feel....alive! For the first time in years I feel butterflies in my stomach. I honestly can’t see him causing me pain; he is a nurse after all.” she snorted.

Her joke was met with silence.

He felt her hand run through his hair now, pushing his bangs out of his face. “I can’t see him hurting you either." He knew what she meant; she didn't think Lance would mind him being gay. Keith wasn’t so sure after today. "He’s a good guy, Keith; I’m glad the two most important men in my life tolerate each other.”

“What about Matt?”

"Matt may be four years older than me but he ain't a man." She laughed.

"Wow, rude much?" he got up, slowly untangling himself from her embrace. “I don’t feel very well; I’m just gonna go to bed.”

“Oh, okay.” he started to walk away when she spoke again. “I love you.”

He hesitated, before turning with a small and tired smile. “Love you too.”

She beamed at him, “Night, Honey Buns.”

“Night, Sugarplum.”

He should be happy right? He was in the clear; Lance hadn’t said anything.

That hurt more.

They were going on another date tomorrow to make up for the one they couldn't have today. He felt sick in his stomach. Tomorrow she would be where he had been; in his arms, in his eyes, in his mind.

She also had the privilege of being in his heart.

A surge of bitterness coursed through his system, leaving a sour taste in his mouth.

He couldn't fall asleep that night.

Chapter Text

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Shiro stared at him, not paying much attention to the game on the tv.

“I’m fine; why do you ask?” Keith kept his eyes glued to the screen. He grunted, “Shiro, this is a two player game which means two players need to be playing; how about some help?”

“I’m just saying you don't look ‘fine’....like, at all.”

“Shiro, I’m fucking dying.” Keith exclaimed motioning to the screen where he was getting swarmed by zombies.

“I mean, you don’t seem like yourself today….”

"Shiro. Fucking. Help. Me!”

“Did something happen with-?”

“FUCK!” Keith threw the controller on the ground as the banner telling them they’d lost the game appeared on the screen. He pulled his legs to his chest.

“Keith.” he laid a hand on his shoulder. “I’m your brother; you can talk to me.”

“Nothing’s wrong….” Keith muttered. “It’s not like I have anything to be upset about.”

Shiro rubbed circles on his back, trying for a reassuring smile. “You sure?”

Keith swallowed, taking a sip of water. “Yeah….”

Had the Pidge from a two months ago seen her today, she might’ve laughed. Or gagged. Or both; probably both.

But as Pidge looked at herself in a skirt she hadn’t worn since the eighth grade, she felt really good.

Granted it was a little humiliating to still fit into her middle school clothes, but it looked nice!

SHE looked nice.

The skirt wasn’t much; just brown suede with pockets, but she felt great in it; even if it did nothing for her already low-key silhouette.

She grabbed her bag and her phone; Lance was waiting for her downstairs.

They’d had to wait till after Lance’s shift for their date, so instead of going to the market place they were going to Lance’s favorite spot.

She wasn’t lying when she said that was the only thing she knew about tonight.

She smiled nervously as she walked over to the front of the apartment, trying to figure out where the hell they were going. She could hear Keith’s video game and a voice that seemed to be Shiro’s was talking to him.

She didn’t know Shiro was here! She stopped herself.

She didn’t even know Keith was here.

He’d left early in the morning and she hadn’t seen him all day. He must’ve comed in not that long ago, otherwise she probably would've heard him by now. She wasn’t sure but something seemed off.

She shook her head; disappearing wasn't unlike him; he’d probably gotten some last minute gig and that’s why Shiro was here too.

Her pocket buzzed; It was Lance.

- You almost done?
-I have the Heathers soundtrack ready and waiting!

She snorted.

 -I can’t believe you’re going to make me sit through you belting Blue AGAIN!!!
-I'm gonna need two more minutes, is that okay?

 
-You loved it ;P
-And Sure
-Just hurry up; my favorite spot is waaaaiiiittttinnnggggg

 
-UGGGHHHH
-Can I at least get a hint!?

 
-NOPE

 
-I hate you

-<3
-Bring a jacket
-That’s all I’m saying……..

 
-Okay MOM

 
-HEY
-That’s Daddy for you ;3

She laughed, pocketing the phone and making her way towards the tv room to say hi.

“FUCK!” She assumed the crashing noise was Keith throwing his controller.

“Keith, I’m your brother; you can talk to me.” She poked her head in, watching as Shiro patted his brother's shoulder as Keith buried his fance in his hands.

“Nothing’s wrong….” Keith muttered. “It’s not like I have anything to be upset about.”

Shiro rubbed circles on his back, trying for a reassuring smile. “You sure?”

“Yeah….”

“Well that was hardly convincing.” She made herself visible.

Shiro smiled at her. “You look nice Katie.”

“Thanks!” She twirled for him, almost immediately regretting it because jeez that felt so awkward and unnatural. “I, uh, I don’t know what that was.”

He chuckled. “That was you looking great.” She beamed at him. “Hot date with Lance today?”

She smirked, “You know it! I don’t really know what we’re doing though; said we were going to his ‘secret spot’.”

“Suspicious.” Shiro smirked. “Bring a condom.”

Keith spat, retching as he tried to cough up the water he’d wrongly swallowed.

“You okay?” Pidge came closer to pat his back.

Keith smacked her hand away.

The room fell deathly silent after the sound of skin hitting skin.

Pidge stared at Keith with wide eyes, bringing her hand close to her chest.

“You’re gonna be late.” Shiro blurted. Unsure of what to do or say, he stood to guide her to the door. “You better not keep him waiting.”

Pidge maneuvered her way away from his grasp. “NO! Keith, what the FUCK!?” her voice came out kind of strained. To some this might seem over dramatic; those people would’ve just walked away after their friend dismissed them as such. But Katelyn Holt was not one of those people.

“I didn’t meant to….” he didn't look at her.

“So then why did you?” she tried to calm down, the thoughts she’d dismissed earlier crawling back. “I’m not stupid; plus I’ve known you for years! What’s wrong with you?” She kneeled in front of him, trying to not cry when he moved his gaze away from her once more. “You’ve been like this since yesterday! What happened!?” she tried to take his hand. “Was….Was it something Lance said?”

He pulled his hand away, standing up and walking away. “You’re gonna be late.”

“Keith!” She tried to go after him, but Shiro grabbed her wrist. “No, hold on, let me talk to him-!”

“I’ll do it. You have to go.”

“But-!”

“Katie.” she turned to look at him, a warm smile on his face. “Go. Have fun. I’ll tell you everything when you get back, okay?” he pulled something from his pocket, pressing it into the hand of the wrist he was holding. “Don’t let this ruin your night.”

She opened her hand, a laugh finding its way from within her as she looked at the neon pink condom in her hand. Finally, she smiled and Shiro let her go. “Okay.” she grabbed her coat from the rack and left with a small smiled on her face.

As soon as she was gone Shiro dropped his.

Was this their problem to fix? Yes.

Were they going to fix it by themselves? Probably not.

Shiro walked over to Keith’s room. He was pleasantly surprised to find the door unlocked. He pushed it open, giving the door an annoyed look as it creaked. He should fix that at some point.

“Keith?”

“Go away, Takashi.”

Yikes. That bad, huh? Shiro walked into his room.

The blinds were closed, there were clothes all over the place and his camera and photography equipment was just lying around on his desk. Keith was curled up in his bed, knees to his chest and as close to the wall as he could get.

“Keith, please; tell me what’s bothering you!” he sat the edge of the bed.

“I don't want to talk about it.”

“Fine.” Shiro layed down next to him, folding his arms over his chest and closing his eyes.

He heard ruffling behind him. “You’re not gonna ask again?”

He shrugged. “Keith, I love you, but last time I tried to get something out of you I almost stabbed you with a fork.”

“I really thought you were gonna...” Keith mumbled.

“Oh, I was totally gonna do it, but like….I wasn’t about to fork-shank you with Allura and her uncle across the table.”

Keith sighted. “What a charming first date for the two off you.”

“Could say the same for you and your first meeting with Lance.” Shiro snorted. “Puking is worse than brother abuse.”

The sheets ruffled as Keith shifted in the bed once more. Shiro almost didn’t catch it with all the noise, but he heard it and his eyes snapped open. Keith had sniffled.

He looked over at his brother, who had small tears forming in his eyes.

“Keith, I-” he reached for him.

“I kissed Lance.”

“You what….!” Shiro sucked in a breath. “Keith! What-! When…!?”

“When we were out at the market place thing! We-we were joking around, and talking, and he-he was dancing with me! He was holding my hands and twirling me in his arms and I-!” Keith sobbed, letting the tears finally slip from his eyes. “I couldn't stop myself.”

Shiro didn’t say anything. He didn't know if that was helping or if it was hurting him. He pulled Keith closer to him, letting him cry against his chest. The smaller man gripped the other’s shirt with one hand, holding onto a lion doll on the other one.

Shiro stroked Keith’s hair as he started to talk again. “I should’ve said something! This is my fault for not telling Lance I was gay! He didn't know…..! He-He’s not a bad person, Shiro! He probably didn't even know he was leading me on! He just didn’t know!” he sobbed once more. “I wanted to tell Katie, I wanted to I promise! But how do you tell your best friend you’re in love with their boyfriend, Shiro?!” he wiped at his eyes. “How do you tell her you’re begging to the heavens he’ll leave her for me!?”

Shiro didn’t say anything.

He simply held his brother as he cried.

Was this their problem to fix? Yes.

Would they fix it with or without his help? He didn’t know anymore….

They arrived at a club after three too many encores of Dead Girl Walking; each time Lance refused to let Pidge sing Veronica’s part, so she settled for singing JD in obnoxious voices.

Pidge wanted to be surprised about the fact that Lance's favorite 'spot' was a club, but deep down she knew this was bound to happen at some point.

Of course extrovert, loud-mouth, ‘spend-these-thirty-hours-getting-freaky’ Lance McClain would love clubbing.

Pidge thrived in quiet and reserved spaces. She’d loved their dates at the fair and the arcade, but she’d liked walking hand in hand through the art gallery and the aquarium better. How’s she’d convinced herself that he was slowly becoming less sociable was beyond her.

Lance finally parked the car and turned to her, “Tah-dah!” he grinned. “Surprised?”  

She gave a weak smile. “I guess.”

He frowned. “You don’t wanna go?”

“I do I do, I just….feel…..” she racked her brain for the right word. “Gauche.”

“Pidge?”

“Yeah?”

“I don’t fucking know what that means.”

She laughed. “It means I feel awkward and unsophisticated.”

He raised a brow, a smirk playing at his lips. “Why would anyone want to feel sophisticated at a club? What? You gonna smoke a pipe and turn up in a top hat?”

She shoved him playfully. “Shut up! I’m just not a club-y person! I’m wearing a baseball tee for fucks sake, I didn’t know I was gonna BE at a club!” she huffed as she tucked a curl behind her ear. “I have clothes for clubbing by the way; I could’ve dressed better had I known.”

Lance thought for a moment, before getting out of the car and walking over to open the door for her. He extended his hand to her and helped her out of the car. They stared at each other for a bit, then he smiled at her hand still in his. “I like this. Skirt, high tops, tee-shirt. It’s all you.” he smirked. “Plus I’m in jeans and a crop top so chill; this is a dance club, and literally no one cares what you wear when dancing.”

“I don’t know how to dance Lance.”

“Please, Katie! That’s what I’m here for.” he ran a hand through his hair, flashing her a condescending grin.

She rolled her eyes, amusement curling at her lips. “Fine, let’s go.”

As they walked in, unapologetically loud music was playing. She didn’t mind it though; it was pleasant to the ear and it did make her want to dance. Plus it was a change from overplayed radio songs by pop singers in their twenties.

She also noticed no one was wearing anything too fancy, which was a huge relief.

The band on stage was jamming out a funky beat as the couples on the dance floor matched his rhythm with their dancing and Pidge had a brief moment of calm. Then the man started to singing and Pidge almost did a one eighty turn and left.

The guy was singing in spanish.

Now that she listened harder she realized EVERYONE around her was speaking spanish.

Lance had taken her to a latin club.

OF COURSE Lance had taken her to a latin club; how had she not figured out he would do this?!

She followed Lance as he marched up to the bar. She was trying very hard not to bite his head off as she sat. He knew how unbelievably poor her understanding of the spanish language was. She’d taken french in school, so she was much worse than Keith, who was already pretty bad to begin with.

She was screwed tonight.

The bartender turned around and flashed them a grin before making his way over. “Lance! No chingues cabron no te eh visto en meses, que onda guey!?” he offered his hand for a high five and a fist bump.

“Ya sabes, el deber de un enfermero nunca acaba!” Lance grinned.

“Que tomas?”

“Dos micheladas porfavor, mi Salvador; una con Tajín.”

“Dos?” the bartender turned to look at at Pidge, who was doing her best to pretend like she understood what they were saying. “Y esta chula?”

“Salvador, esta es Kati!” Lance wrapped his arms around her.

“Ah no bueno, claro, como se me pudo olvidar! Es Kati!”  Pidge didn't need to understand spanish to know everything he’d just say was dripped with sarcasm. The man rolled his eyes and turned to her once more. “El placer es mio, linda; aunque dejame decirte que as escogido un novio de la mierda!”

“Si?” Pidge tried for a smile, the awkwardness crawling back up her spine.

The bartender blinked before bursting out laughing. “NO BUENO, QUE BUEN GUSTO TIENES, PENDEJO!”

“Chupatela, Salvador; no habla Español!” Lance snapped back. He didn’t look mad so much as amused to whatever it was Pidge had said yes to. “Traime los tragos!” he turned back to her with a sheepish grin.

“Sorry, he’s used to speaking only spanish.”

“What did I agree to?”

“Your terrible taste in men.”

“Oh, okay good.”

“Pidge no!” he laughed as he shoved her playfully. “I ordered you a Mexican style beer, I hope that’s cool.”

“I’m not much of a drinker but I’ll try it.” she smiled her thanks as the bartender returned with their drinks. “Is that salt on the rim?”

“Yeah, try it!”

She took a sip. “Not bad.”

The music stopped and people started to applaud the band as they made their exit. Another man soon took the stage, sitting himself on the piano. He bantered to the audience for a little, who all seemed to be getting impatient with him, but soon forgot when he started to play.

“Oh, my gosh! This is my mom’s song!” Lance leaped out of his seat.

“Elaborate?” she gave him an amused smile.

“This is the song they dance to when they first met! They play it whenever they can; at their wedding, anniversaries, at any party with a dj they can bribe; it’s their love jam!”

“That’s so sweet!” she smiled. “My parent’s love each other, but they’re very conservative people; they wouldn't do that.”

“Remind me to make out with you at the dinner table if I ever meet them.” he smirked.

“WHEN you meet them.” she stood, feeling giddiness bubbling in her stomach. “Dance with me.”

“I thought you said you didn't know how to dance.” he took her hand and walked to the dance floor.

“I don't;” she placed his hands on her hips. “So you’re gonna have to step up for the both of us.”

“That I can do.” He stepped closer to her. “By the way, you should feel flattered; I'm only dancing to this song with you 'cause my girlfriend; I'd've refuse with anyone else.”

He choked.

She flushed as she processed what he’d just said. “Wait Lance…..Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?”

He blushed. “Y-Yeah….but this is SO not how I practiced it….it was gonna be less accidental and more 'sweep-you-off-your-feet' like.”

“Yes.”

“What?”

“I want to be your girlfriend.” she pulled him down for a quick kiss.

He grinned against her lips. “Good! This is now officially our song too!” she laughed at how his eyes lit up with excitement.

“I don’t know, man, I’m pretty sure Dead Girl Walking earned it’s place as our song after you made me remember the few lines JD has!”

“At least you’ll know it’s me if anyone tries to break into your apartment.”

“On the eighth floor?” he grinned. She rolled her eyes as she placed her hands on his shoulders and started to sway with the music. “Alright McClain, enough B and E talk;" she tried for a more seductive tone "Sweep me off my feet.”

He looked a little taken back for a second before settling for a cocky smirk. “Oh, baby, you’re going to regret that open invitation!”

Lance sometimes hated being an ER nurse.

Ten thirty seven, only six hours after his shift ended, and his boss was already requesting he come back for his next shift in an hour and a half. Lately his shifts started literally first thing in the morning and wouldn't end up till around noon; three in the afternoon if it was a busy day or they were short. He’d have to catch up on sleep at odd hours and it was pretty impossible to live.

He reached Pidge’s apartment and parked outside. He took out look at her and he couldn't help but laugh. She’d mentioned before that the only person who could hold their alcohol in the family was her mother, and that she, Matt, and her father were gone after two drinks.

She hadn't been kidding; and yet she’d been on her fifth round when they left the club.

Note to self; never take your girlfriend drinking again.

He smiled.

‘Girlfriend’.

He opened the door for her and helped her climb onto his back. He did NOT  trust her to walk straight.

Lance made his way to the elevator and pressed the button for her floor. He didn't have her keys and either way he wasn't about to barge in like that.

He took a deep breath. Here’s to hoping Keith would be home and awake to let them in.

Lance shook his head. He wasn't going to start thinking about this right now.

He stopped at her door and took in a deep breath.

He knocked.

One second.

Two seconds.

Three-.

The buff guy from Keith’s hospital visit opened the door.

“Hello Lance.” he smiled. “You are back way-oh gosh.” his eyes had landed on Pidge.

“Shiro, right?”

“Yes.” he looked at Pidge again. “Drunk, right?”

“Most definitely.”

“Ahh, wonderful.” he turned back into the house. “MATT! YOUR SISTER’S HOME!”

“WHAT DO I CARE?”

“SHE’S DRUNK!”

“HOLD ON LET ME GET MY PHONE THIS HASN'T HAPPENED SINCE HER GRADUATION!”

Shortly after some audible scrambling, a man who looked like Pidge but with stubble and taller came out.

Lance couldn't help but laugh. ‘The Pidge you brought has a dick’ thing would’ve been more fitting if he’d brought Matt to the mercado instead of Keith.

His smile faltered.

“Oh my god this is gold.” Matt took some pictures before eventually taking Katie as well. “Nice to meet you, by the way; I’m Matt!” he grinned at him. “Want to come in?”

“Matt-!”

“Actually,” Lance interrupted Shiro, who looked a little surprised. “I have to go back to work in a few; I should maybe go clean up to make sure I don't look or smell like I’ve had a drink or two.”

“Oh wow sucks to be you!” Matt laughed.

Lance laughed too. “Tell me about it; stable job, great appartment, healthy relationship.”

“Please don't talk about my sister like she's anything but unhealthy!" Lance snickered. "Sleeps poorly, lives of sugary starbucks drinks; I mean look at this mess!” he bounced her in his arms. Her response was to groan and hit him weakly in the chest.

“I will barf on you Matthew Holt!” she managed.

“Okay, maybe let's not play yo-yo with your drunk sister?” Shiro took her from him when Matt didn't stop the bouncing. He turned to Lance with a smile that left him with a pit in his stomach. “Next time?”

“Next time.” he nodded, unsure of what else to say. He knew.

“Here;” Matt handed him a piece of gum with numbers on it. “It’s my number. Please feel free to ask for any blackmail material I will give it to you.”

And with that, the door closed on him.

He pocketed the wrapper and chewed on the gum as he made his way to the elevator.

When the doors finally closed he dropped to the floor and felt the knot in his throat tighten.

He wanted to talk to Keith. He needed to talk to Keith.

But the thought of him coming to the door just now had been terrifying.

The thought of seeing him again even more so.

He wasn't ready to face him.

He wasn't ready to break his heart.

Chapter Text

“Next time?” Shiro asked with a smile he hoped didn't look as guilty as he felt.

“Next time.” Lance nodded, a somewhat awkward smile on his face. Shiro gulped; he knew.

“Here;” Matt handed Lance a piece of gum, which Shiro recognized as his ‘pick up gum’. “It’s my number. Please feel free to ask for any blackmail material I will give it to you.”

And with that, they closed the door on him.

Katie groaned. “Can you set me down; I’m a better drunk than Matt, but I might puke still.”

“Hey! For the record, I am the SHIT when I’m drunk!” Shiro gave Matt a weak laugh as he set Katie down.

“Whatever; I need food and water otherwise I’m gonna commit homicide tomorrow.”

“I’ll bring you some; Matt, take her to the couch.”

He watched as the two sibling stumbled over to the TV room. They’d been watching one of Keith’s crappy movies in order to cheer him up. Shiro could tell she was as excited as Matt had been when Keith made his pick; not at all.

He laughed as he heard them both start to simultaneously complain about the events on screen. Shiro walked into the kitchen and grabbed a miga sandwich from the the fridge and stuck in in the toaster. He’d been pouring Katie a glass of water when Keith walked in.

“Hey, I found the Airplane dvd; it was under my bed.” he grinned.

Shiro smiled as Keith started to ramble about what else he’d found in there.

Keith had arrived at Shiro's office before him, and had allegedly been there since the ungodly hour of four am. He spent the day sat in a corner, being a dick to Shiro's coworkers.

When they finally got to Keith's apartment, it took Shiro several rounds of zombie games to finally give into curiosity and ask what was wrong, since Keith had refused to say anything the whole day.

Clearly that had gone very well.

Shiro found himself relying on Matt to cheer him up after Keith finally broke down and told him everything. At first, Keith had been a little skeptical, thinking this was some sort of ploy to guilt trip him to confess, but he'd found Matt’s company quite refreshing.

Unlike Matt, Pidge was incredibly observant. Neither Shiro nor Keith thought Matt was stupid, far from it, but he simply thought his time was better spent on living his life rather than analyzing everything about someone else's.

Shiro knew that he’d be the best person for Keith at the moment. He’d even managed to get Keith showered and changed.

The toaster popped out the miga, pulling Keith’s attention away from his unnecessarily long story about a sock he’d been certain was gone for good until a few minutes ago.

“Who’s that for?”

“Katie’s home early.”

“WHAT?!” he poked his head out from the kitchen, trying to look into the tv room. Sure enough, there she sat, practically on her brother, as she shamelessly criticized Creeping Terror. He frowned. “Is she drunk?”

“Yeah, Lance-”

“Don't say his name!” he blurted out. Then, after clearing his throat, he continued. “He should know better than to let her drink....she gets weird.”

“I wonder what made her want to drink tonight.” Shiro shot him an amused look. Keith huffed. “Why don't you take these to her?”

“Shiro, no, I-” he looked over at her again. Shiro remembered when Keith first came out to their mom. Same helpless look, fluffy hair, hunched shoulders; same words. “I’m not ready yet.”

“Keith, what are you afraid off?” He’d said this back then too. “It’s up to you how you break it to her.”

“I know but….” he took in a deep breath. “I don't want to hurt her….”

Shiro placed a hand on his shoulder. “Sometimes we have no choice. Better she finds out this way, so that she can hear it from you.”

Keith nodded slowly. He still looked a little pale, and if Shiro had to guess, he probably felt sick to his stomach. He watched as Keith walked out of the kitchen, shyly offering to food to Pidge, who beamed and took it with a smile.

Shiro’s first mistake of the night was thinking everything was going to be fine.

It was late; not too late for Pidge and himself, but definitely too late for their brothers.

At almost two am Matt and Shiro decided they would finish watching Airplane and would call it a night. They'd been offered the pullout couch so that they wouldn't have to drive, but they'd declined.

Keith was certain it was because they didn't want to deal with Pidge, who always got insufferable and unpredictable when drunk. Keith, needless to say, was NOT looking forward to being alone with her.

The secret he was still keeping from her definitely did NOT contribute to this.

He turned his attention away from the movie to look at her. She was still sitting on Matt, who was now wearing one of Keith’s shirt thanks to Pidge’s earlier incident. Currently, they and Shiro watched as she failed miserably to solve one of her rubix cubes.

“I don't…” Pidge paused, the alcohol having left her in a state of constant stupid. “Why not just….Fuck I don't know….” she turned to Matt who was doing his best to not laugh at her. “Like….we can just….marker….yeah! Or like paint…..I-I-I don’t fucking know.”

“We cannot paint a rubix cube, Katie; that’s cheating.” Shiro said, who was also trying to stifle his giggling.

“Well, then we could….!” she rose before plopping back down on Matt’s lap. “Oh, wait, no; that’s cheating too….”

Matt snorted, shaking from trying to not burst out laughing.

Keith smiled.

This was nice. It’d been awhile since Matt hung out at their place. He liked seeing them together. Over the years they’d grown more different physically, though one could still easily mistake them for twins, but their mentality was the same as it always has.

Well, not currently.

“FUCK!” Pidge jumped off Matt’s lap. “MY BUTT IS BUZZING!”

Matt started to cry, practically howling in hilarity, as he doubled over the couch. Shiro awkwardly pulled the phone out of her back pocket and handed it to her, his airy giggles filling the room.

“Oh, right; I knew that….” she laughed and swayed a bit and Keith was ready to catch her if, or more accurately WHEN, she fell. “Hello….?” she waited for a bit. “Oh, hi Lance!”

Keith tensed.

“No….No….No….Maybe….” Pidge proceeded to whine into the phone before tripping on the rug and falling on Keith, who caught her and sat her beside him with ease. “No I didn’t…..I tripped.” Keith gave a small smile to that. “Keith caught me.” she blinked for a few seconds, confusion on her face before nodding. “Okay, here.” she shoved the phone into his face.

“KATIE!” He took the phone with a grunt, giving a side look to Shiro who nodded. “Hello?” he hoped that didn't sound as nervous as he felt.

“Hey, it’s me! Sorry I called via Pidge; I don’t have your number.”

“I-It’s fine.” he could feel Pidge’s gaze burning a hole in his neck. “What’s up?”

“I wanted an update on Katie; she was okay when we left, but I assumed she got worse.”

“Yes and no? She’s kinda out of it right now.”

“AM NOT!” she tried to grab the phone but he pulled it back.

“I'm glad she’s in good hands!”

“Yeah….”

There was a pause. “Hey?”

“Yeah…?”

“Are….Are we good?”

“I….” he panicked. “I-what? Yeah, no, duh! We’re good-we’re fine!”

“What’s fine? Keith, I wanna know!” she reached for the phone this time successfully grabbing it and fighting Keith for it.

He wasn’t sure which one of them pressed the speaker button.

All of a sudden Lance could be heard throughout the room. “-worried! I didn’t say anything and since she didn’t say anything, I assume you didn’t say anything either! And since I really like her, I was wondering if we could maybe keep it that way….?”

“Lance, WAIT!” Pidge screamed into the phone. “I want to know!”

“KATIE!? Wait; AM I ON SPEAKER PHONE!?”

“LANCE HANG UP!” Keith screamed.  

“Wait! Keith, I-!” Lance sounded desperate; Keith wasn't sure if he was or it was the phone playing tricks on him.

“HANG. UP!” Shortly after a beep signaled the call had ended.

Keith took a deep breath as he released the phone.

“Keith….?” she sounded slightly more sober. “What’s going on….?”

All the laughter from before died. He stared straight ahead, not wanting to make eye contact.

“Keith.” her tone was more stern; no one would believe this was the same girl who wanted to sharpie a rubix cube less than five minutes ago. “Spill.”

“Katie, maybe-”

“Shut up, Matt; Keith, what doesn't he want me to know!?” she sounded panicked, her voice pitching.

Keith didn’t look at her; he COULDN’T look at her.

Her.

He couldn’t bring himself to say her name.

Her; the one he met when she fell from a tree onto the sidewalk when they were children. Her; who would always walk three extra blocks down and back to take him to his house because he was getting picked on in middle school. Her; who dressed up as a boy for their senior homecoming when the boy he was supposed to go with stood him up. Her; who had been his best friends since as long as he could remember.

Her; who was his roommate, his partner, his soulmate for fucks sake!

He buried his face in his hands, trying not to cry.

He's not ready to have this conversation. Not now; not ever.

“KEITH!” she was shaking as she forced him to look at her. “What did he do?! TELL ME!”

He could’ve laughed then. As if that love struck fool could do anything to hurt anyone, let alone her. “He didn’t do anything.”

She shook her head, the blush from the liquor persistent on her otherwise sickly looking face. “No. no, no, no; don't lie to me Keith….”

“I’m not, I promise.”

She bit her lip, tears rising to her eyes. “Then tell me…!” her voice was frail.

“Katie,” Matt gently place his hands on her shoulders. “You’re drunk, babe; you can’t think properly….” he slowly pried her hands from Keith’s face. “You both can talk tomorrow, okay?”

But she pulled away. “No! Lance-! Lance, he’s-!” she gasped for breath and the tears started to fall. She clutched her stomach as she curled into a ball.

Matt was trying very hard to calm her down. It was a valiant attempt, but given her intoxicated state there was no getting through to her. The room was suffocated with sobs and soft, soothing whispers.

“Keith,” Shiro kneeled besides him, talking so that only Keith could hear. “You need to tell her.”

He shook his head, feeling a knot forming in his gut and throat. “I can't! She’ll…!” he swallowed. Was his mouth this dry before? “She’ll hate me!”

Shiro squeezed his shoulder.

He couldn’t.

“Katie?” her name felt dirtied; forbidden.

She looked up.

His heart sank. He’d never seen anything so heartbreaking in his life; and his life tended to be pretty shit, so that was saying something.

“Keith….” she sobbed, lowering her head again. “Does he have someone else? Oh, fuck, I-” a sob cut her off and Keith fought every urge to hold her until the world disappeared.

“Look at me, please…” he wanted to cry now. He took a deep breath; he had no right to cry. He took hold of two small, shaking, hands. His voice trembled. “I….” Shiro placed a hand on his shoulder to steady him. “I’m….I like Lance….”

She blinked. “I-I do too….”

He gripped her hands, terrified that if he didn't hold on tight enough she’d slip away.

“N-No; Katie….I….I love Lance….Like, love love….” Shiro’s grip tightened on his shoulders. He could feel himself starting to shake. “And I….kissed him yesterday….”

The room was still.

“Technically it was two days ago….” Matt let out. His face was a mixture of surprise, anger, and hopelessness. Matt was powerless in this situation.

When she finally processed what he’d said, she pulled her hands away; his very touched burned her skin. "You....what....? When…!?” her voice trembled so much he was afraid it would break.

“Katie-” Keith tried to reach for her.

“DON’T TOUCH ME!” She backed away, slamming into Matt’s arms. “How could you….?” barely a whisper.

“Listen to me!"

“Fine! Talk!”

Keith looked taken aback, like he hadn't really expected for her to hear him out. “I couldn’t help myself! When we were at the market thing, he saw I was feeling down. He was putting so much effort into cheering me up, that I got….” he trailed off, looking for the right word. “Overwhelmed….I was front and center of his attention.” he smiled to himself. She hated that smile so much. “I didn’t mean to kiss him! I got mad cause he was talking about you while I was in his arms and-!”

“Wait," she gulped, afraid to ask. "Were you two were dancing….?”

“Yeah….” Keith’s voice was hushed. She felt another tear trail her cheek. Her head flooded with Lance’s scent, his warm hands on her hips, his stomach in that stupid palm tree crop top. A fresh wave of irritation washed over her.

“I’m so sorry; it just felt RIGHT to kiss him.”

She stiffened. “That’s not an excuse! Find someone else; he’s my boyfriend, Keith! You have no right to move in on him!”

He seemed taken aback by the retort. “Pidge, I know-!”

“No, you don't! If you knew then you wouldn’t have touched him! He's not yours, Keith!”

Keith blinked several times before his face settled on an annoyed frown. “He's not property! And if that were the case, then it’s not like he’s yours either! He's not your boyfriend!”

Keith wanted to stab himself.

With a very dull blade.

Preferably repeatedly.

He was about to take it back when she spoke again.

Her voice was ice-like. “For your information, Keith Kogane,” she spat his name. “He asked me to be his girlfriend tonight; right before we danced to the song his parents got married to.” Even if that wasn’t meant to set him off, it did. “And, for the record;” she dramatized her words. “I kissed him first!”

Keith’s frown formed itself into a scowl. “I told you it was an accident!” he felt the pit of his stomach bubble with….malice? He wasn’t sure, but two could play this fucking game. “But it’s one I don’t regret!”

“So much for the earlier apology; typical Keith!”

“What’s that supposed to mean!?”

“Keith, she's drunk! Just-.” Shiro tried to pull him away, but Keith brushed off his hand.

“No! What do you mean ‘typical Keith’?”

“Exactly what that means, dipshit! You do shit, and don't care about anything that happens cause of it!”

“Yes, I do, and you fucking know that! For starters, I care about him and what we might’ve-!”

“OH! Everything’s always about you!” she rolled her eyes. “‘Bring me a gift from the aquarium!’ ‘Get me something from the museum!’” she mocked his voice. “‘Don't worry, while you’re out trying to make a name for yourself, I’ll be over here making out with your boyfriend!’”

“Oh, shut up, Katelyn!” Keith snarled. “Suck it up, it was just a kiss; it’s not like I fucked him!”

“Oh, cause that was definitely NOT on your list!”

“I would bend him over the table in front of you if I had the fucking chance!” he growled, shoving his face into her space. She backed up so fast she knocked herself and Matt back.

She felt fresh tears prick at her eyes. “Y-You wouldn’t!”

“Oh, I would! I’d make him regret he’s dating you and not me, because if there's one thing I’m better at than kissing, it’s fu-!”  he yelped.

He was going to say more. So much more.

But Shiro had pulled him so hard he landed on his ass with a loud thump. “KEITH, STOP IT, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?”

He wasn't sure if it was the look on his brother’s face, his disappointed and pained tone, or the pain on his butt that finally cleared his head.

Panicked, he looked over at his….he didn't even know what to call her anymore.

She wore a face Keith had no words for. He couldn't even describe how heart wrenching it was. Saucer like eyes, filled with tears and nothing but hurt. Complete and utter hurt.

“Katie-”

“Fuck. you.” she stood up, visibly shaking. “How could you say that….?”

“Katie, wait!” he grabbed her wrist. “I didn’t-! I was just mad!” he struggled to keep his grip on her. “Pidge! I didn't mean it!”

She broke free.

Tripping over Matt, who looked ready to throw up, she darted out of the room. A door slammed shut somewhere in the apartment.

The seconds of silence before anyone spoke were deafening.

“I’m going to take her with me....at least for a few days.” Matt spoke, his voice was shaking, trying so hard to keep steady. He stood up and turned away. There was a deep inhale as he ran his fingers through his hair, and a long and tired exhale as he ruffled what he’d just flattened. “Listen, Keith; I’ve known you for years. I know you as well as I know myself, and I’ve grown to love you like a brother; You’re a good guy.” Keith wasn’t ready to look into Matt’s eyes; the same eyes Katie had. “But for now….stay away from my sister. Give her some space to clear her head. Maybe….” He gave Keith a small, uncertain smile. Keith didn’t like it at all. “Maybe time will fix this.” he walked out.

And the silence continued.

It was broken briefly when both Holt children walked past the tv room on their was to the door.

Matt called out a goodbye to Shiro. Pidge did not.

Shiro wished both of them a goodnight, a tight smile on his face. The door closed.

The smile dropped, turning to Keith with a face he hadn't seen since the time he got suspended for a week. (Long story short, the boy that lifted Pidge's skirt needed dental work afterwards.)

"Keith." Shiro paused for a second, before an incredulous expression appeared on his face. "I-I-I don't even know what to say to you right now!" he flailed his arms; a somewhat angry, somewhat nervous blush on his cheeks. "Are you fucking stupid!? Keith, what tha fuck was that!? What happened to the apology part of the apology!?"

Keith could feel himself flushing with embarrassment, the pit in his stomach growing in size. "I DON'T KNOW!" he was sweating now. "I-I meant to apologize! I was gonna, but she was talking about Lance like he was a thing; like he was HER thing, and I got really mad because it's not fair!"

"Keith."

"Like I get that she likes him, I like him too, hell, I fucking love the guy! And, like, yeah, okay so does she, and her anger is valid, but like fuck, Shiro, what did I do?"

"Keith!"

"Shit, shit, SHIT! what am I gonna do!?" He stood up and started pacing. "I-I-I can run away! Yeah, I'll get my stuff, run away, and they can fix their relationship! yeah! Perfect! It'll be like I was never here and they can both forget about me! That's right, the kiss never happened! It meant nothing! Right?!"

"KEITH!" Shiro slapped a hand over his mouth, bringing him back to the floor. He exhale as he released his brother. He smiled; for real this time. "You don't want that, Keith; you don't want either of them to forget you."

He shook his head slowly, the energy draining from him.

"And you don't think the kiss meant nothing, do you?" Keith didn't respond. "It meant something to you, Keith. Maybe it shouldn't have because he IS Katie's boyfriend;" Keith shrunk under his gaze. Shiro chuckled. "But it did, and that's valid."

"But, Pidge-!" he gulped. "I was an ass...."

"Yeah, you should really apologize to her."

Keith punched him not so lightly at the amusement in his voice. "It's not funny Shiro! yeah, I feel bad for what I said, but I meant it! I really really like Lance!"

Shiro raised a brow at him. "So what are you going to do about it?"

"Huh?"

"While I don't condone your actions tonight, and I fully believe you need to make it up to Katie;" He got up with a grunt. "I do understand he's important to you." he poked his forehead. "So, what are your gonna do about it?"

"Shiro...!" Keith threw his arms around his brother. "Thanks." Keith grabbed his keys and his jacket and headed for the door. He shot him a smiled; a child like toothy grin. "I owe you one."

"Yeah, yeah, get out of here." Shiro closed the door after he bolted for the stairs.

He turned back to the tv room. With all that happened he missed a lot of what was going on on screen. He grabbed himself a soda from the fridge and sat down, taking his time backtracking to find the exact spot before Lance called.

He didn't know if he'd made the right choice or given the right pep-talk. He had a sinking feeling he hadn't.

Only time would tell.

The silence continued until he pressed play with thirty six minutes to go.

Chapter Text

If you asked Keith Kogane how he ended up at the doors of the ER at two forty seven in the morning on a Sunday he wouldn’t be able to tell you.

All he remembers is stumbling down the steps of his building to where his bike was parked, and driving through a surprisingly warm night until he was at the steps of the ER.

Keith isn't sure why he’s surprised that it's still open at this unsacred hour; it's an emergency room after all. Even at this time, the light from inside is enough to make him squint his eyes. He also isn't surprised this is the first place he’d look for him; he worked here after all.

There's a nurse at the front desk. Her hair is braided, with her bangs covering her face like a visor. Other than her, the place seemed to be relatively empty. Perhaps it was a slow night? Or maybe all the patients were in the room he'd been in when he’d crashed his bike a few weeks back.

Almost three months.

Had it really been that long ago?

All the road burns had healed, leaving minor scarring, but to think that happened almost three months ago.

He shook his head.

He knew he was just trying to buy time before he went in.

What was he supposed to say?

‘Hey, can I borrow one of your nurses? I have a crush on him I need to talk about!’

He didn't think that would work.

There was also the huge possibility he wasn't here. After all, it wasn't like the guy lived in the ER. He was a nurse, not some sort of hospital dewler that lived under the stairs because he had no house and family issues. Keith really shouldn’t apply what he’d seen in Riverdale in this situation.

The hiss of the sliding door snapped him to attention. The nurse from the desk was standing at the door. Her hair was way longer than it had appeared. She wasn’t much shorter than Keith, maybe five eight or so.

She wore a somewhat cautious, somewhat bemused look. “Can I help you, sir? Or are you going to stand outside looking like the grim reaper?”  

“I do not look like the grim reaper!” Keith pouted.

She eyed him up and down, shifting her weight onto one hip as she crossed her arms. “Yeah, I’m sure the children love the ripped-jeans-leather-shirt, all black look.” She smirked.

“Well, good thing I don’t dress for the children.” He couldn't help but mirror it. “Nice scrubs by the way.”

She laughed. She had a nice laugh. “What brings death himself to the ER at this time?” she dropped her grin. “Oh, fuck, did we kill someone?”

He snorts. “No, I’m here looking for a nurse, which I know sounds a little unprofessional-”

She shrugs.

“-but I seriously need to talk to him.”

“Well, maybe come in next time.” she held the door open for him. “I looked up and you almost gave me a heart attack.”

“Good thing this is a hospital.”

She rolled her eyes, going back behind the desk. “Who are you looking for? I can check if they’re here, but I can’t guarantee you time to talk to them. We aren’t super busy, but we’re short of staff tonight and you never know.”

Keith nodded, knowing this would happen. “Is, uh, Lance working tonight?”

She looked up at him, her expression filling with smugness. “Wait….‘Pukey’!?”

Keith almost cried. He dropped his face into the desk as he released a loud and exasperated sigh. Then, with defeat, he added. “Yeah that’s me.” he looked up, glaring at her grinning face. “Jeez, is that what all the nurses call me?”

“To be fair, that hadn’t happened in a while, and hasn't happened since. I mean, they puke, but they always try to aim AWAY from the nurses.”

“Now, now, Vale, is that anyway to talk to the one and only Pukey?” They both turned to Lance, who was leaning against the wall, removing a pair of gloves. Keith thought it should be illegal to look that good in pink scrubs at almost three in the morning.

“Güey, déjame divertirme un poco, no? Llevo aquí como tres pinches horas!” she spoke.

Great, another spanish speaker. Keith really regretted not paying attention in that class.

“Acere, me vale! Yo estaba en medio de una cita con mi chica y me tuve que ir como a las diez treinta para bañarme y arreglarme! Además, ambos tenemos aquí tres horas; mantén tu latón con tapa!”

“Ay, chupame, McClain!” she rolled her eyes at whatever he had said, she turned to Keith once more.  “Llévate a tu novio que-CABRON ESTAS SANGRANDO!” she gripped Keith’s hand and tore off his glove.

He blinked.

When did he get a cut in his palm?

He looked down at himself. Wearing all black, he couldn't tell if there was blood on him or not, but looking at the counter he could see his handprint in red liquid sticking out against the blue plastic.

“Keith, what the fuck man?!” Lance grabbed his hand, trying to gently wipe away some semi-dried blood to see the cut better. Keith winced. “Sorry, sorry, just-ugh, come on!” he turned to Vale once more, “Dile a Álvarez que me lo llevo a la oficina para no tomar espacio, que me tardo quince minutos máximo.” she nodded, trying to hold back a grin

As they walked away she called after them. “MAMALE EL CHILE, JOTO!”

Lance flushed and stopped to call back. “CALLATE, TUERCA!”

She laughed and it bounced through the walls as Lance pulled him to a small office. He assumed this is where they did all the filing and organized the paper work. It wasn't much, but it was definitely more private and inviting than the hospital rooms.

Lance let go of him and grabbed the first aid kit from the one of the drawers of the desk. Keith snickkered. “What's so funny, Pukey?”

He rolled his eyes, still a little giggly. “Even in an ER, you have a basic, buy-them-at-Walgreens, first aid kit.

Lance chuckled too. “What can I say? We like to be prepared.” Lance took a seat on the office chair and patted the desk. “Sit.” Keith obliged, feeling the nerves start to creep up on him. He had no plan; just a cut on his hand. “How did you not notice this?” Lance asked as he fumbled to open the kit. “It’s been bleeding a lot, and from the amount blood, I can tell it’s not a small cut, or at least not a shallow one.”

Keith laughed nervously. “You’re gonna think this is stupid, but I honestly don't know.”

Lance scoffed, as he started to clean the cut. “You are worse than Katie.”

Keith stiffened, but if Lance noticed, he probably thought it was due to the sting of the hydrogen peroxide on the cut.

Right.

Katie.

Keith knew he stepped over several lines. He knew he’d been an asshole. He kept trying to find excuses for himself, but he had none. He hadn’t been drunk, he wasn’t the one being betrayed, he wasn't even right in his anger because everything she had said was essentially true.

But as he looked at the man patching up his hand he couldn't help but mean everything he said. He was jealous. He was crazy mad with jealousy. And he knew that wasn't an excuse but it was his truth. She had him. But he wanted him.

God, he wanted him so bad. He wanted to kiss him again. Hold his hand, dance with him, tell him that he thought it was cute that he liked to wear pink scrubs.

He tooks a sharp breath then Lance began to wrap his hand. Keith was sure it was just him, but he could've sworn Lance’s fingers lingered on his hand a little longer than needed. He gave Keith a soft smile. “There we go.”

“Thanks.”

“Keith?”

“Yeah?”

Only now did he realize how close they sat. Lance sat between his legs and looked up at him. It was a nice change from Keith always looking up at him. He looked tired and a little sweaty. Keith did his best to avoid his gaze.

“About the kiss….and what you said that day?”

“....Yeah?” his voice was small.

He smiled sheepishly. “Do you really like me?”

He flushed. “What!? I-no! Lance, you can’t ask that so suddenly.” he grumbled.

“So that’s a yes?” his voice was soft; it was kind.

“.....Yeah….” he felt the knot in his throat tighten.

He chuckled. “I’m flattered, considering you puked the first time you saw me.”

Keith managed a laugh at that, though it sounded strained. “So….you don't hate me?”

Lance laughed. It bubbled from his stomach and it was so warm and delightful Keith couldn't help but stare. Lance wiped at his eyes, trying to catch his breath. “Keith, why would I hate you? Sure you puked on my shoes, but I got new ones didn't I?” he giggled still.

Keith pursed his lips. “No, I mean….cause you’re dating someone else already, who’s a girl….and I kissed you, and I’m a guy….so….”

“Keith? Are you asking me if I’m homophobic?”

“Yeah….I never told you I was gay and I suddenly dropped a bomb on you the other day. I’m sorry.”

Instead of contorting in response, Lance’s eyes lit up. “God, Pukey, you’re so stupid.” Lance grinned. “I'm a little gay too.”

Keith choked on his own spit. “WHAT!?”

“Yeah, I’m bisexual.” he winked at him. “So, don't worry about it, okay?”

Keith could feel butterflies in his stomach. He leaned forward, feeling the blush on his cheeks. “So does this mean you-”

“Woah, Keith hold on!” Lance placed his hands on his shoulders. He smiled. It was a small smile. He’d seen that smile on Matt’s face earlier. He’d already established he hated it. “I’m still dating Katie.”

He froze. His body suddenly felt numb. His mouth was dry and the weight of Lance’s words left him breathless. He knew this. He knew he liked her and he didn’t know why he’d let himself believe coming here would change that.

“Right, right. Wow, I’m-I’m sorry I should go.” he hopped off the desk, skillfully avoiding Lance. “I don’t even know why I came here, this was stupid of me, I’m sorry.”

“Keith, wait!” Lance reached for his wrist but Keith avoided it.

“No, Lance, it’s fine, I should leave.”

“No;” Lance managed to grab his wrist. “You should go to the twenty-four-hour coffee shop down the street and wait for five am to roll around so I can get off my shift.” he shrugged, his smiled growing with ease. Keith could see his teeth. “Well that’s assuming Carly gets here at five am; it might be a little longer than that, but if you’re willing to wait….I’d like to talk for a little bit.”

“Okay.” Keith swallowed, nodding slowly. “I’ll see you then.”

Lance smiled as he opened the door for him. “Hasta la later, Keith.”

He made his way outside, waving a small goodbye to Vale, who was still at the front desk. As he stepped into the warm air he looked at the sky, releasing a long and tired sigh.

“Matt?” 

Matt slowly opened his eyes.

He hadn't been asleep, but he’d been trying really hard to do so.

They’d arrived at his apartment over half an hour ago; there hadn’t been much traffic, since there's not much traffic at such a late, or early in this case, hour. Without a word, Katie had sped towards the spare room and shut the door.

He understood.

She needed space.

So he went to his room, changed, and went to bed. He’d assumed she’d done the same thing.

Yet here she was.

“Yeah?”

“I-uh, I know I haven’t done this since I was seven, but, um….” he could hear her fidgeting from the doorway.

He chuckled, lazily closing his eyes and tossing his arm over them. He patted the spot next to him on the bed.

He felt the mattress shift when she crawled on and towards him. He extended out his arm arm and she laid her head on it. He brought his other arm around her as she placed hers on his waist. “Thanks.”

“Old habits die hard I suppose; and for the record last time we did this was at most nine months ago.”

“I hate you.”

“I know. How’s the head?”

“I don't feel drunk anymore, if that’s what you mean; I just chugged down three glasses of water.”

“Someone lives on the edge.”

She snickered, lightly pushing him. “Shut up.”

They stayed quiet for a bit. Matt liked to sleep with his window open. She knew it was a coping mechanism after he came back from Afghanistan; that the silence in the street was his way of knowing everything was fine. She supposed listening to the swaying trees was nice.

“So….how’s the heart?”

She sighted. “I’m okay now.”

“Really?”

A pause.

“No.”

“Thought so.”

“I just don't understand!” she buried her head into the crook of his neck.

To many people, sleeping like this with your sibling might’ve been weird. To them it was normal, it was familiar. She HAD stopped doing this when she was seven, but she’d picked this habit up again when he and Shiro had returned. It was horrifying to see Shiro with a prosthetic. For the longest time after his return, she’d hold Matt to sleep. Partly for him; partly for her.

Right now, it was mostly for her.

“If I’m being honest with you, I don’t either. I know Keith, this isn't like him.”

“And it’s all over a guy.” she gave a bitter laugh. “God, never once did I think a boy would come between us, especially not now.”

“I should've said something.”

“What could you have said?”

“I don't know, something like…..‘Yo, fam, maybe don't talk about fucking my sis’s eye candy, thanks’.” she snorted. “What? You don't think that would’ve won the argument?”

“I think that would’ve DEFINITELY won the argument.”

“Dammit.”

More silence. In the distance she could hear the blur of the cars zooming by. Where could they be heading at this time was beyond her, but that was part of the mystery of this time of day.

“Are you going to talk to him?”

“I….I don't want to….Matt, the shit he said, I don't think he was kidding.”

“So you really think he’d stick his dick in Lance’s ass infront of you?”

“Oh my god, I can’t with you!” she rollled her eyes, poking his stomach. She regretted it as he contorted and almost squashed her. She’d forgotten he was so ticklish there; how had she forgotten he was so ticklish there? “No-well maybe....but I mean the other stuff. Like, about how much he wanted Lance. I think he honestly resents me for liking him.”

“That's stupid. He didn’t see Lance first, you did; won him over fair and square.”

"Actually he saw him first."

"Irrelevant; you liked him first and he likes you back!"

“I know that, but I don't think he does. Keith hasn’t had the healthiest relationships. I think Lance is the first decent guy he’s liked in a while.”

“Oh yeah; Shiro complains about Laurence a lot.”

“I’m pretty sure his name is Lotor.”

He shrugged. “Laurence sounds more like an asshole name.”

“And with that you’ve offended all the Laurences in the world.”

“Just doing my job.”

She laughed. “But, yeah….I don't doubt he likes him. I kinda suspected it with the way he looked at him. Honestly, I’m more shocked on the fact that this didn't happen sooner.”

“So you’re telling me you were expecting your best friend since you were children to tell you he’s gonna fuck your boyfriend?”

“Well, when you put it like that no!” she smirked. “I meant, yeah I thought about him possibly liking him, but if he did-”

“And he does.”

“-Shut up, Matt-”

“Sorry.”

“-I thought he’d realize a lot sooner. And that he’d’ve told me differently, you know? No fighting, no yelling.”

“I thought you started the yelling?”

“I was drunk; fuck, I still probably am, which is why I’m so calm about this!” she sat up, pulling her knees close to her chest.

“Hey, it’s okay, babe.” Matt draped his arms around her as he sat up.

“No, it’s not! My best friend wants my boyfriend, Matt! The boyfriend I love and treasure! I’m not gonna be okay with this now or ever! He’s not entitled to be angry! He’s not entitled to kiss him or dance with him! He’s not….allowed to like him! He’s my friend, Matt, my friend! He should know better than to….than to fall in love with Lance.”

He rubbed circles into her back. “He can’t help the way he feels. Don't get me wrong, I wanted to tear out his pony tail; but he can't choose who he falls in love with.” he shoved her playfully. “You didn’t.”

She gave him a small smile. “I didn’t.”

“And look how well this is turning out for both of you!” Matt smiled too. “I’m glad you’re first proper boyfriend is not pushing you or anything; I don’t think I could take him in a fight.”

She giggled. “He’d patch you up though.” she rested her head on his shoulder. “I find it funny how he’s dating me, given that he’s bi and everything.”

“Can I say something and you won't gut me?”

“I might gut you anyway.”

“That’s true; I was gonna say how he gets to date both based on the way you dress.”

She didn't gut him.

She did however jab him in the stomach a bit too hard and he went down with a groan.

“Sorry, sorry!” she laughed as he pulled her down with him, hitting her with a pillow. When he finally stopped and she caught her breath she added. “A funnier joke would’ve been the fact that a guy who’s sexually attracted to dick and pussy is dating someone who’s not sexually attracted to anything.”

“Except Mothman.”

“No, that’s Keith.”

“Oh, yeah! What was yours?”

“The Canvey island monster, man, c’mon!”

“Oh, true true.”

Somewhere in the distance a car passed by, their stereo shamelessly blasting Rick Astley. It took them a few minutes to stop laughing after that.

“So what are you gonna do about it? Are you gonna talk to Keith?”

“No, I want him to come to me. I understand where he’s coming from I really do….but what he said to me…..about him…..FUCKING Lance!” she meant to laugh so not to worry him, but her voice trembled as nerves and anger bubbled in her stomach. “....I didn’t think he’d ever used my sexuality against me….that was a low blow considering he’s gay….”

Matt was quiet for a little while. “What a huge mess you little homos have created for yourselves.”

She snorted. “Tell me about it.”

“And are you gonna talk to Lance?”

She sat up to look at him. “What do you mean?” Her bangs fell to her face. She needed a haircut.

He shrugged, folding his arms over his chest. “I don’t know….” he scrunched up his face, glaring at the light above his head, trying to figure out how to phrase what he was trying to say. “I just mean….you haven't talked to Lance about this-duh, you found out like an hour ago-and I really think you should.”

“Why should I? He didn’t say anything to me.”

“Don’t pout.”

“I don’t pout.” she pouted

“Katie!” he laughed. It was a breathy, deep laugh. He was getting sleepy finally. “You should talk to him. Let him know what happened; how you feel.” he closed him eyes, a smiled on his face. “How he feels about all of this.”

A breezed made its way into the room. She hadn’t realized she’d been sweating until now. “I’m scared.”

“Of what?”

“That….if I ask about Keith…..he’ll tell me something I don’t want to hear.”

“I still say go talk to him. Every relationship faces hardships and this is yours; surpass it.”

She smiled down at her brother in defeat. He was right. He was always right, even when it was three thirty-ish in the morning and he was half asleep. “When did you get so smart?”

He chuckled, his speaking slurred a little as sleep started to take hold of him. “It’s not that I’m smart, I simply wasn’t dropped from a dresser in Paris when I was two years old.”

She rolled her eyes. “I hate you.”

He groaned, amusement evident in his scrunched up smile. “Go! Find Lance! Make babies! Let me sleep!”

“Where do you want me to go?” she laughed. “It’s basically four am!”

“He’s working right now right?”

“Yeah, so?”

“So, Katie, don't be fucking stupid; go to him!.” he gave her a lazy grin as he shoved her with his foot. “It’ll give you major romantic points!”

“Oh my god, I’m going MOM!” she giggled as she got up.

“I love you, sweetie!” she was halfway to her shoes when he called out. “And don’t worry, if he says anything I’ll cut off his dick so Keith can’t have him either.”

What did she do to deserve such a great brother?

Keith had been sitting at the coffee shop maybe half an hour.

Okay, so he’d been sitting here for thirty seven minutes and six seconds; he would know, he’d been counting.

It was at the forty one minute mark that Lance walked through the door.

Keith almost slapped himself.

He still didn't know what to do or what to say to him. It didn't help that Lance was wearing the biggest sweater he’d ever seen and looked adorable.

“Hey.” Lance smiled at him. He looked very tired. “You’re still here.”

“Yeah.” Keith cleared his throat; he didn't like the dreamy tone of his voice. “Why wouldn't I be?”

Lance shrugged, his sleepy grin never faltering. “I don't know….it’s pretty late; if someone told me to sit in a coffee shop alone until five am I might've cried and given up.”

Keith laughed. “Well, I’ve never really been the type to quit or give up.”

“Do tell.” he sat down, resting his arms and chin on the table.

Keith snorted. “What you want a story?”

“Yes please!”

He rolled his eyes. “Well....for example; when I was in the fourth grade, I found this cat in the back lot of my school. He was an asshole, but he was really pretty-”

“Dont’cha mean purr-ty?”

“Lance no.”

He snickered. “Keep going.”

“-anyways, my dad’s allergic, but, for some reason, I really wanted to keep him. My dad said if I could raise enough money to buy him food and necessaries he’d let him stay.”

“Sounds unreasonably reasonable for ten year old.”

Keith shrugged. “My dad’s a pretty unreasonable man; the school told him he couldn't park his pickup truck without some sort of cover on the trunk-cause they thought some kids might crawl in there or whatever-and he proceeded to show up to pick me up the next day with a sign that said free candy attached to the trunk. Needless to say I took the bus from then on.”

“You’re dad sounds like the shit.”

“Please do not encourage my dad, he likes to wear daisy dukes cause Shiro told our mom she wasn’t at the age to wear them anymore.”

“You’re dad’s a legend.”

“Lance no!”

“A BEAST!”

The coffee shop filled with their giggles. The barista couldn't decided if he should be amused or annoyed by this.

“Anyway,” Lance sniffled as he composed himself. “What happened with the cat?”

“Oh, yeah!” Keith started to giggled again. “Cause my dad’s Texan-

“Howdy, partner.”

“-I fucking hate you.” he giggled before continuing. “We have a house there, and I would sell lemonade in the summer, so I was like ‘Surely that can work here in fifty three degree weather in the winter’.”

“Did it?”

“Of course not, Starbucks put me out of commision.”

“Damn their holiday peppermint drinks.”

“Lance, stop!” Keith snickered, playfully shoving him. “I’m trying to retell the tale of Ian Catkaye-”

“Wait wait wait….” Lance sat up, his eyes lit with amusement. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “Is that a pun on Ian Mackaye from Fugazi?”

Keith pursed his lips. “....Maybe….”

Lance cried. He laughed so hard he cried. “Oh-Oh my god! Keith! I can’t with you buddy; what’s next? Got a dog called Brendon Mewrie?” Lance wiped away his tears as he clutched his stomach.

“N-NO! Shut up, Lance!” he blushed. Keith wasn’t sure he wanted to tell him about the cat he had when he was twenty five (Catrick Stump was a great fucking name). “A-A-Anyways, where was I?”

Lance giggled. “Starbucks was crushing lil’ Ian Catkaye's chance at a family.” he threw his head back as he started to laugh again.

The barista was definitely more amused than annoyed.

Keith rolled his eyes. “So yeah, my lemonade stand was a fucking bust, and I was ready to give up when Pidge-” Keith stopped.

That’s right. 

Pidge.

How did he keep forgetting everything that had happened barely an hour ago?

“What did Pidge do?” Lance’s voice brought him back. He was resting on the table again, his gaze tired as he looked up at Keith. There was a glow to him now; light blush, lazy smile, eyes twinkling with wonder.

His stomach sank. “Right, um, she had this stupid idea of stealing coins from a mall fountain.”

Lance laughed. “That sounds just like her; she always checks for change in every vending machine.”

Keith managed a weak smile. “She did that too.” Lance’s smiled widened. “In the end we got enough for a few cans, the bowls, and a cheap bed. Her dad was very gracious and bought us  a scratching post and some toys. My dad couldn't say no, so Shiro’s mom took us to buy a collar and a cat.”

“Aww, what a happy ending for the horribly named cat.” Lance giggled. “How long have you and Pidge known each other?”

“For as long as I can remember.” his palms felt sweaty. “Actually, Lance can we talk about Katie….?”

“Oh my god can we?” he didn't catch Keith's cautious tone. “I can’t with her sometimes. She said she couldn't handle her alcohol, but she sees me get a third beer and suddenly decides she can chug a whole pint. Is she always like that?”

“Sort of.”

“And she’s so stubborn, which makes her adorable cause she won't accept help. When we went to the aquarium she was trying to grab a mug I said I liked, right? She started to climb on the the display to be able to reach, and, of course, she slips and breaks all-”

“All the mugs, yeah, I know.” Keith forced another smile. “You guys told me that story when you gave me my pen and part of a handle.”

“Oh, sorry.” he scratched the back of his neck. He leaned back in his chair, slouching so that his sweater practically ate him alive. He gave him a sweet smile, his eyebrows pushed together slightly with amusement and concern. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well, you just confessed to your crush and he’s sitting in front of you talking about his girlfriend who’s, coincidentally, your best friend; you tell me.” his smile was more smug now.

Keith couldn't help but relax a little. “Oh, yeah….it kinda sucks.”

“Did you tell her?”

Keith bit his lips. He thumbed the cut on his hand, trying to distract from the endless pit in his stomach. “Kinda….”

“What do you mean ‘kinda’?” Lance sat up, eyeing him carefully. “Keith, what did you do?”

“Why do you assume I did it?”

“Because if not then you wouldn’t be here.”

Keith opened his mouth to say something. Nothing came out.

He was right.

“Keith,” Lance grasped his hand. Keith wished he didn't crave his touch as much as he did. “What happened?”

“We had a fight.” he tried to keep his breathing steady. “You called and she heard. I don't know if the alcohol contributed to her reactions, but shortly after you hung up she was crying.” Keith laughed. He was about to cry himself. “We were fighting. ‘How dare I kiss you’ and what not. I told her how I felt, and even though my feelings aren’t valid, and she made me feel even worse; like I wasn’t allowed to feel this way. So I-….I said somethings I shouldn’t have. What was supposed to be a simple ‘I’m sorry’ was spiraled out of control….she left with her brother and I came here.”

He thought Lance would pull away.

Instead Keith felt him throw himself over the table and wrap his arms around him. “God, you’re so stupid.” he pulled away so that their eyes met. “Your feelings ARE valid, Keith Kogane. They are not wrong. They are beautiful, and sweet, and soft. And you should never let anyone make you feel like they aren't, okay?” Keith nodded, holding back a sob. “As for coming here; that was very dumb.” he laughed as he sat back down. “It should be her you went after not me.”

“I wanted to give her space.”

“I guess that’s fair.” he smiled. “Promise yourself you’ll go to her. People like Katie are hard  to come by.”

Keith huffed. “Right; perfect girlfriends and all that.”

“No, you jerk-off; caring and honest people. All she ever does is talk about you. About your dumb obsessions with cryptids, your god awful taste in movies,” he smirked. “How you had a buzzcut and piercings in college.”

“Oh my god!” he buried his face in his hands. “I thought I looked cool but I looked like a fuckboy.”

“I know; she has the pictures still.”

“OH MY GOD.”

They laughed.

Lance got up and offered him a hand. “Go home. Sleep. Call her.” Keith took his hand hesitantly. “Friends like that are hard to come by.”

There were so many things Keith still wanted to say. But all of them died in his throat and came out as “I will.”

“No more cuts; be careful okay?”

“I might pull a Pidge to come see you.” Lance laughed. Keith loved the way his eyes practically disappeared when he smiled so wide.

“Please don't do it tonight, I do not want to come back yet.” he walked to the door as waved goodbye as he opened it. “Night, Pukey; don't miss me too much.” he winked and slipped out.

Keith shrunk feeling the heat in his cheeks. “I always do.”

A loud slurp from behind him startled him back to attention. The barista was shamelessly staring with his feet on the counter and a frappuccino in his hand. “Wow. You have it bad.”

Keith made a mental note to never come back here again.

Lance didn't expect for his hands to shake as he watched Carly walk in only twenty five minutes after Keith left. He didn't expect to have sweaty palms and butterflies in his stomach during most of his talk with Keith; he really hope he didn't notice. 

Right now he sat in his car, feeling like a creep after waiting for Keith to walk out of the coffee shop and head off in his bike.

He took a deep breath.

Lance McClain was a lot of things, many of which were synonyms for stupid, but he’d learned long ago that he was not straight.

He was bi.

Keith and Katie made that fact evidently more clear with each passing day.

He adored every fiber of her body, and he hadn’t even seen it. That’s how strong his love for Katie was. With her it was more than what he brought to the bed, it was what he brought to the table. His feelings, his sense of humor, his vast medical expertises because Jesus Christ this child was lucky to be alive with how reckless she was.

Lance could list something he liked about her with every star in the sky.

And there’s a lot more stars he couldn't see from earth.

Another thing Lance was not was a liar.

He couldn't lie to himself.

Not anymore anyway.

He could no longer pretend Keith Kogane didn’t do something for him.

He just didn't know what yet.

He was tempted to slam his head onto the steering wheel, but seeing as that was incredibly counterproductive he opted against it. He turned the keys and pulled away from the coffee shop. He needed to sleep.

Lance didn’t live anywhere too fancy, but he would never dare to call his apartment shabby. It was plenty big to house him and his brothers, though Lance liked it better when they were away for business like they currently were.

Not that he’d ever admit to prancing around the apartment in his towel while Daddy Yankee blasts throughout the place; but if he ever did, his brothers had no proof.

He grabbed his bag from the passenger seat and made his way into the building, saying a quick hello to the poor doorman. If he thought Lance didn’t know that was probably his sixth cup of coffee that night he was mistaken.

“Long night?” the doorman asked him, his voice slurred and his breath smelled of espresso.

“I’ve seen longer ones.”

He nodded, returning to whatever he was doing on his computer.

Lance was lucky he lived on the second floor. In a hurry, he could take the stairs and not break a sweat, but if he was feeling particularly tired, the elevator rides were always short. He got in and buzzed for his floor. He couldn't decide if he should go through his whole routine or simply wash his face. On the one hand he was tired; on the other hand he hadn't gotten this good looking without sacrificing some hours of the day. 

The doors opened and Lance moved on automatic, not bothering to tear his gaze from the ceiling.

He’d counted seven roof tiles before he tripped, landing on his jaw with a yelp.

“Watch it, fuck brain!”

Wait.

He turned his head so he could see the bundle on the floor pushing his legs off theirs. “Katie?”

She went stiff, slowly turning to look at him; her face was a hilarious mix of mortification and embarrassment. “Uh….Hey, babe! Wassup!?” she laughed awkwardly as she patted his calf.

He sat up with a dramatic groan. “Not me that’s for sure.” she snorted and visibly relaxed. “What are you doing here?”

“What? Can’t a girl surprise her boyfriend at-” she checked the time on her phone. "-basically five in the morning?”

“Well she can but she’s never done it before.” he smiled as her confidence faltered. “Why don’t we go inside before Mrs. Moreno come out here and yells are us?”

“Good idea;” She stood as she signalled down at herself. “I don't think she’d appreciate my pajamas.”

He tossed her the keys so she could open the door.

He looked her over. Sweatpants, knock off uggs, clips in her hair, glasses hung from the neck of her “Tech and Lighting Crew” crop top; how had he gotten so lucky?

She pushed his door open and let him walk in first before closing, dropping his keys on the counter. “Are you tired? Is this a bad time?”

“If I say yes will you leave?” he grinned at her teasingly.

She pulled his face down gently, pressing a warm kissed to his eyelids. “Baby, you can’t get rid of me that easily!”

“Oh, no! Whatever will I do?” he pulled her into his arms as she squealled, spinning her as he peppers her shoulder with kisses. He carried her to his room, dropping her on the bed as if he were a wrestler. She was snorting by this point, tears streaming down her eyes.

“I-I give up!” she said in between laughs. “Just-just let me catch my breath!”

“Never!” he proceeded to tickle her.

It took several hits to the head with a pillow for Lance to finally roll off her, a shit eating grin on his face. “For the record;” she wiped a tear from her cheek, still very giggly. “You only won cause you’re wearing jeans.”

“That can be easily fixed.” he got up and turned to the closet. In the moonlight coming from the window his skin seemed to glow. She wasn't complaining. He turned and caught her staring as he was hanging his sweater. “Do you mind?” he was teasing.

“Not one bit.” So was she.

If a year ago you'd asked Lance and Pidge what they’d be doing right now, Lance wouldn't have said 'performing a cringe worthy strip tease while obnoxiously singing the Star Wars theme'. And Pidge wouldn't have said 'cat-calling him in every way she could think off'.

Neither would change it for the world.

Once Lance was in joggers and loose tee, they both sat on his bed as Lance gently applied Egg Mellow Cream to Katie’s face. She hummed some broadway song he’d gotten stuck in her head. She couldn't tell you the name, but when she got to a certain part he’d hum along.

“So,” he said as he popped the cap back on the cream. Their faces were now soft, sticky, and glossy. “What brings my beautiful girlfriend to my apartment at this time? Surely it wasn't the tickle attack or the egg face masks.”

“It was most definitely the egg masks; who doesn't like feeling like the belong atop buttered toast?”

He smiled patiently. “Is this about Keith?”

She stiffened before huffing in defeat. “Yeah….how’d you know?”

“I know you.” he placed the cream on the bedside, giving her a sheepish grin over his shoulder. “Plus he came to see me at the ER earlier.”

“What!? What’d he say?!”

“Nothing to worry about; what happened?”

She fell onto the pillows, her legs still crossed. “I don’t even know; what should’ve been an easy conversation turned into a shit show. I’m honestly terrified our friendship is doomed.”

“Is it?”

“I don't know! I hate him right now; I want him to suffer and feel miserable….” she took in a deep breath. Lance took her hand. “But….at the same time I know he’s probably hurting a lot already too. Keith’s parents had a messy divorce, you know?”

He raised a brow, not following the conversation. “So, Shiro’s….?”

“His half brother, son of their mother. Keith’s parents had a really awful fall out and it took a lot to get Keith to stay with his dad on weekends. She wasn’t a great lady….”

“So what happened?”

“Keith’s mom became too unstable to care for him.”

“Yikes.”

“Tell me about it. He’s had such an awful look on love, especially being gay….I can’t help but feel guilty that I’m here right now.”

“Katie, no!” Lance layed down next to her. “You’re here right now because I want you to be here.”

“I know that, but he'd want to be here too….”

“What are you saying?”

“I don't want to break up!” she grabs both of his hands and brings them to her chest. “God, I never want to break up, so don't ever think that.” she pecked his knuckles. He can feel a silly grin spreading on his face. “I just don’t know how Keith and I can stay friends when he wants you; I’m not willingly to let you go.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Do….” she swallowed, he could feel it on his fingers. “Do you want me to?”

“What!? Of course not! Katie, where is this coming from?”

“Lance, why didn’t you tell me about the kiss?”

He didn't like how honest her tone was; it reminded him of when he did something that upset his mom. “I didn’t want you to be mad; I didn't want to give it importance.”

“Did it?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“Why are you insisting?” he turned away from her. “I like you; Keith sprung on me and confused me and that’s that.”

“So, you did like the kiss?” her tone wasn't angry or accusing, which for some reason made it harder for him to breath.

“I don’t know, I guess; it’s just a kiss, Pidge.”

“But it wasn’t.”

“It was! It was just two dudes pressing lips for, like, two seconds before the other sprinted away like Shadow the hedgehog.”

“Don’t you mean-”

“No, he’s Shadow, I’m Sonic, you’re Tails; keep up.”

“Right sorry.” she snickered.

“And anyways it doesn't matter cause the kiss meant nothing.”

“It meant something to Keith.”

“Okay, true; but-”

“And….” she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “It meant something to you too, right?”

“No, it didn’t cause I don’t like him; I love you!”

She chuckled. Her tone was sweet and patient; like she was talking to a child. “Lance, it's okay! I see the way you look at him when you talk before you and I go out; I’m not totally blind." he snorted. "The room lights up when you’re together.”

“But the room is not bright enough if you’re not in it!” he didn’t mean to snap at herl; he didn't mean to pull away.

She gave a soft laugh; tired, and more breath than sound. She wrapped her arms and legs around him, making him feel like a human tree. “Good thing I’m not going anywhere then.” He was a happy tree at least.

He pulled the covers over both of them.

This was enough tonight.

“I’m….I don't know what I’m feeling….” he rubbed circles into her knuckles, loving the shiver that ran down his spine as she breathed on his neck. “But I know that, right now, in this moment? I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

“You little sap; go to bed.” she kissed the nape of his neck.

He listened to her breathing. She still smelled a little of beer and lime; there was a faint scent of his face mask and of him.

God, he loved it.

“Katie?”

“Lance?”

“I love you.”

She laughed against his neck. “Jeez, I love you too, you dork! So….don't forget that.”

It was his turn to laugh. He pulled her hands to his heart. “Never.”

Chapter Text

Keith woke up sweaty.

Startled awake, all he could do was stare at the ceiling as he caught his breath. He frowned. Last time he checked he didn't have faded glow-in-the-dark stars on his ceiling. Bringing the bedsheets closer to his face he could see they weren’t red; they were green. He sat up slowly, making out the stuffed animals and the furniture in the room.

He’s in Pidge’s room.

He bolted out of bed, feeling his pulse quickening. He was sweatier now if that was even possible. He pulled off the duvet, throwing it on the desk.

Nothing.

Where was she? Was she still with Matt? Was he gonna see her again?

Of course he was gonna see her again; he had all her shit she probably wanted back.

He sighed, throwing his head back. He remembered putting those stars up there.

Katie was too short (even on the bed) so he’d done it for her. He’d been very upset when they’d used up all the packages trying to make constellations on her ceiling. She’d offered to drive back to Target to buy more, but instead he’d pushed her to the left side of the bed and layed down to her right so they could enjoy them together.

It’d been nice.

How long ago was that? How long had they lived here? How much longer was she going to live here?

He climbed back into her bed, burying his face into her pillow. He took in a deep breath, feeling tears start to prick at his eyes.

It smelled like Linen and Sky Febreze.

Pidge didn't wake up hungover, which was unexpected but very welcomed. She opened her eyes slowly, letting them adjust to the morning light. Everything was blurry. Somehow she was still not used to being legally blind.

She took in a deep breath, Lance’s head rising and falling along with her chest. His hands rested under her crop top on her stomach and back. Some time during the night (or the morning) they’d switched positions and it was him who was wrapped around her.

Gently running her fingers through his hair, she frowned. How can someone look so cute while drooling on you?

A huff escaped her lips as she let her head hit the pillow again.

Did she want Lance to be happy? Of course she did.

Did she mean what she had said to him last night….? Not so much.

It hurt to know your best friend kissed your boyfriend; it hurt ever more to hear yourself say that your boyfriend might’ve enjoyed the kiss.

But it was a completely different thing to hear your boyfriend say that he didn’t know how to feel and what to do about it.

What was that supposed to mean for them? For her? What, was she not good enough anymore? Did Keith fill some sort of category she couldn't? Lance had never mentioned having sex nor did it seem like that was gonna be a problem.

Was it?

What did Keith tell him? What did they do?

Katie didn’t want to believe either could go so far behind her back; not after last night.

She wanted to be mad at herself for not being able to be mad.

She was wounded, deeply so, but mad? Not quite; it’s hard to explain.

Matt had spoken some heavy truth; no one chooses who they fall in love with, and she was in love with Lance!

But if he suddenly fell for Keith and left her….she wasn't sure what she’d do.

She didn’t even want to picture Lance and Keith dating.

A breathy chuckled tickled her stomach as Lance tighten his grip on her.

“That’s definitely a face I want to wake up too every morning.” the infatuation of his gaze sent shivers down her spine.

She released the scowl she’d been holding, settling for a smile. “Better?”

Lance laughed before pulling her on top of him, leaning up to kiss her. It was a short, gentle peck she met with a squeak and Lance smirked into. “Much better, babe.”

She smiled, giving into his charm. “Morning.”

“How you feeling? Do you need advil? Water?”

“How about some breakfast?”

“Your wish is my command.”  he pecks her nose before gently getting out of bed. “Scrambled or boiled?”

“Sunny-side-up.”

“But, baby, you’re the only sunny thing I need.” he says as he cups her face.

“Oh my god, just go make the eggs!” she snorts as he walked away.

Lance’s room was warm and yellow. His sheets were yellow, his curtains were yellow, and so was his bean bag. The furniture varied from dark browns to blacks or whites. The sun shined through his windows and everything smelled of s'mores. (Though a closer look on the candle revealed it was actually 'pumpkin french roast'.)

The bed was comfortable too.

Not that her own bed wasn't comfortable, it's just this was Lance’s bed.

Pulling a pillow to her face, she took in it’s scent. He had so many pillows and each one smelled like him; his cologne, his face wash, his shampoo, his stupid egg mask with it’s yellow container that matched the decour. She’d pegged him for a blue kinda guy since he was almost always wearing blue; like her with green and Keith with red.

She pressed her face further into the pillow.

Keith’s room was nothing like Lance’s room; it was like hers.

Curtains always drawn, mess in just about every corner, no real theme or aesthetic. Keith’s room smelled of his dry hair shampoo and sweaty leather; hers smelled of 'Linen and Sky' Febreze to block out the dirty laundry.

There was no waking with the sun or sweet kisses in her apartment, just bickering over who was bringing the cereal box and the milk jug to the dining table.

She laughs, thinking back to the Lucky Charms accident from a while back. The less said about it the better.

So this? This warm bedroom, were on the bedside laid an eye mask, an uncracked phone, and a fucking yellow hardback….it was weird.

But it was a great weird.

Granted these were not the circumstances she'd imagined the first time she'd sleep in Lance's room, but she liked it here.

He’d like it too.

She could see him here; his hair a greasy mess as he wore those shorts he’s had since high school, complaining about how bright the room is. She can't help but chuckle as she pictured him looking in horror at how much yellow there is everywhere.

Then her mind brings Lance into the picture and she’s not laughing anymore.

There he is, bringing over some coffee as he kisses Keith’s head, the bed bug further burying his face into the duvet. And Lance doesn't care. He strokes Keith’s back as he reads a Daily Mail article on Kylie Jenner (who he claims not to care about yet stalks on snapchat.) He’ll say something dumb about her, and Keith will laugh even if it’s not funny because Lance said it, and that’s enough for him.

“Katie?” Lance is at the door frame, tray of food in his hands as he looks at her. It smells amazing. "Are you crying?" he asks.

And she is.

Her cheeks feel cold, and she can no longer breath through her runny nose. She looks down as she desperately tries to dry her eyes, but the wet spots on the pillow make her cry harder.

"Katie, what's wrong? Talk to me!" Lance sets the tray on the bedside table, crawling into bed to hold her. Katie doesn't answer, she just buries her face into his shoulder with a tight grip on his shirt. "It's okay; you're okay."

He wanted to say 'we're okay'.

But were they?

The eggs are cold by the time they eat them.

Chapter Text

How long has it been? Months? Years?

According to his phone it’s been short of  a week.

"That's it?" He tosses the device back onto the couch, too limp on the floor to attempt to catch it as it bounces off and cracks loudly. He sighs.

She could fix that in less than an hour, but he doesn't think about that. The same way he doesn't think about the milk expiring in the fridge since its one consumer left. Or how there weren't enough plates for the dishwasher last night. Nor enough clothes for the laundry machine the day prior to. 

Keith had always been used to being alone. His mother had left at a young age, and his father broke his back night and day to be able to afford his schoolings and their home; something Keith would never thank him enough for. Yet, a part of him had always resented tucking himself into bed at night, and walking himself to the bus stop in the mornings. 

Something that always fascinated him when he was younger, was how a couple steps away from his small house and humble neighborhood, there were people living in the opposite spectrum. The houses were so big, not all rooms were occupied, and their yards were green and bright and enclosed with pretty picket fences. It was a pretty heavy reminder that even though his dad slaved away to be able to live in a "nice area" didn't mean he was living in the "nice area". Some parents in the nicer houses likely encouraged their kids to avoid him at school, though he was sure the other half of them were happy to go the extra mile against him all on their own.

Keith didn’t care; he’d rather be bullied than treated as a charity case or pitied. He was used to being lonely, almost as much as he was used to being alone.

That was prior to the Holts and their two kids moving in.

He'd been well aware of the Holt kids long before he met either of them. There was Matt, the sudden star of the middle school robotics club, and the frontrunner for eight grade class rep. He certainly blended well with the upper class side of his school. However, Matt’s sister Katelyn did not.

 He’d first met her when she fell out of a tree. While he’d been scared half to death and panicking over how to patch her bleeding knee, all she cared about was showing him the beetle she’d caught for her brother’s science project. From then on she’d talk to him every time they took the early bus home from school, and that was mostly due to the fact that he couldn’t really avoid her at that point. The one time he’d confronted her for it, somewhat rudely he recognizes now, she’d simply smiled and asked if he’d been getting picked on as much recently.

And he hadn’t.

His memories have blurred over time, his fair share of concussions not helping his internal storage, but a change is clear: he was neither lonely nor alone after he met her. 

Her brother teaches him to ride a bike. He quizzes her as spelling-bee practice every year. Her parents eventually helped his dad out with a job interview within their company. Every holiday and birthday, are celebrated as two families slowly becoming one, even after Shiro and his new step-mother were introduced into the mix.

Keith huffs a strand of hair away from his face, stretching his arm as far as it can go to reach his phone; it's been short of a week and about five minutes.

"Not that I don't love having you here," Matt started, with absolutely zero tact. "But can you leave soon?"

"You're a piece of shit, you know that, right?" She spits in the sink before rinsing the last of the toothpaste out of her mouth. 

"Katie, this is ridiculous, please just talk to him."

"To who?" 

"To God, Katie," Matt pulls at his cheeks exasperated.

"Matt." She gives him a stern look as she dries her mouth. "I'm serious."

"Bitch, me too!" He yanks the towel from her and throws it on the floor. "At this point I'm not even trying to be funny. Just go to church and talk to God, because I can't do this anymore. Shiro is driving me up the wazoo cause you, Allura won't stop calling me for updates, Lance has shown up twice –and I don't even wanna know how that fucker found my house–  only for you to refuse to see him, and Hunk texted me! Hunk never texts me and he's my lab partner!" He stomped on the towel. Several times. 

She didn't know what to say, so she settled for twiddling her thumbs instead. She knew everyone in their friend group was worried; even her mom had texted her about her fight with Keith, which was when she turned her phone off and basically admitted defeat. 

But this was what she wanted.  She had to want it. There wasn't another path left.

“Look,” Matt sighed as he rubbed his eyes under his glasses. Picking up the towel he began to pet it softly, as if it were his pet versus his linens. "I didn't ask you what happened when you came crying from Lance's apartment that day, nor did I ask how and why he showed up here on two different occasions two days later. I don't make you talk to Allura when she calls, nor do I force you to contact Shiro. Heck, I even defended you when you left mom on read." That got her to smile a little. "But, Kates, I think it's time you face him – face them . You're stronger than hiding out in my apartment, aren't you?"

"I don't know if I am." She sat down on the edge of the tub, just barely able to see herself in the mirror. Her hair needed a trim, and her eyes gave away her need for a restful night. "Aside from you, Keith was the first one to support me. He saw more in me than ‘Matt’s little sister’ or ‘The Holt’s daughter’. He never saw me as less or more than what I am.” She heard her voice tremble. “My whole life I've been little in size, but for the first time in a long time, I'm starting to feel... " She looked away from her reflection. “Small. Like I’m the smallest thing for miles and miles without end.” 

“And what do you think Keith sees now?”

"Maybe the same thing I do?”

“How can you be sure?”

“How could he not after everything?”

“Well,” He came close enough to ruffle her hair. “There's only one way to find out.”

Usually, admitting she was wrong or had made a mistake felt heavy. Her limbs would weigh a thousand kilos and her heart a million pounds. Yet her shoulders felt light for the first time in days. She managed a small smile for her brother. "Thanks Matt."

"Any time, Pigeon." he hung the towel back with his own smile.

"Just, one thing,"

"Yeah?"

A grin began to form on her lips. "'Up the wazoo'?" 

"...Get the fuck out of my house."

Chapter Text

Keith dreams that he’s in space.

He hadn’t been one of those kids that wanted to be an astronaut when he was younger. Prior to his mother leaving, his father had been a firefighter, which was what he wanted to be at the time. When she left, he developed a knack for photography; one of the only sure ways to preserve something forever. The first photo he ever took was of the night sky the day his dad had given him his old camera. 

The photo had come out really bad. The whole thing was black, almost like he’d taken the picture with the lense cap still on. But they knew what the picture meant, and thus why, regardless of its failure, it was framed and set atop their counter top.

He supposes that's where his liking for nights, as well as space, started. Even though things had been changing drastically around him, the sky still looked the same when he stargazed from his window; beautiful and unbothered. In his dream, even though he’s among the darkness and the stars, he knows his younger self can see him there from his window.

He closes his eyes, enjoying the feeling of weightlessness that comes with zero gravity. 

Keith’s head hits the ground first, landing with a heavy thunk on the hardwood floor. His legs flip over himself like a backwards somersault, and he groans in pain as his knee makes contact with his face.

“I am...so sorry, Keith.” Shiro leaned down as if to help, but didn't do much aside from poorly concealing his laughter. “I didn’t think you’d fall when I pulled you.”

Keith rolls over, bringing his legs to his chest. His hand covers his nose, which isn't bleeding, but certainly hurts like a bitch.

“You okay?” Shiro asks, still half laughing, and fully not helping.

“Shiro, you have five seconds to run before I kill you.”

“You won’t.”

Keith doesn’t even count before he darts up. He's actually impressed with how quickly Shiro reacted, taking off out of the room with solid speed. He chases him around the dining room, and is about to corner him by the couch, when the asshole ducks and sends Keith flying over it face first into the floor.

“How the fuck did you even get in?” Keith asks once his nosebleed had been dealt with and the carpet had been cleaned. “I thought I took your key away.”

“Bold of you to assume that was my only key.” 

“What?” 

“You need a haircut.” Shiro ignores him, reaching over to touch his head. “And a hair wash.” Keith glares at him, something that feels less effective with his nose plugged. “You’ve been hauled up here for almost a week, Keith. I’m surprised no one at work called you in or fired you already. So, to get you out of the house I made some plans.”

“It’d better not be dinner with Allura.”

“I was gonna say lunch...” Shiro deflates. “Why not? You love Allura.”

“Yeah, but together you guys make me feel so uncomfortable.” He shrugs himself into the couch. “With your weird tension, and your obliviousness,” He scowls before he whispers. “And your stupidity.”

Shiro rolls his eyes. “You’re coming, it’ll be good for you. I made the salon appointment already; it’s at ten, so don’t be late. Call us when you're done, and after we can go to that pretentious cafe you like.”

“It’s not pretentious!”

Shiro pinches his cheek before getting up. “Get dressed, time is ticking and your hair is getting dirtier by the second.” He grabs his bag and heads for the door. “And I don’t like Allura.”

“I never said that you did.” Keith smirks at Shiro’s glare. “Besides, saying you don’t like Allura is as true as saying you don’t somehow have another key to my house.”

As he leaves, Keith hears him mutter to himself: ‘I do have several keys to your house…’

In her opinion, the weather was nice today. Everyone she passed seemed unhappy with the constant breeze and the steady mist that would surely turn into a heavy shower in a few minutes. But Pidge had her umbrella, a fully charged laptop, and a notebook full of notes and codes all stuffed into her bag, so she wasn't worried. Should it really rain, she’d get an iced Americano and a comfy seat in the coffee shop across the street from the hair salon. 

Matt, true to his threat yesterday, had kicked her out of the apartment about two hours ago. He claimed he needed a break from her presence, which was fine by her, since she’d planned on going out regardless. She let him have his small victory though. She texts him to let him know she’s arrived safely, pleased with how quickly she got here by foot. 

“Hello, welcome.” A copper-eyed blonde greets her as she steps in. “Do you have an appointment or is this a walk in?”

“A walk in,” Pidge smiles sheepishly. “Is Rolo available?” 

“No, he has a customer right now, he’s just in the restroom.” She gestures behind her, where Rolo is leaning against one of the shampooing stations while on his phone. “I can take you now though, if you’d like.” She smiles at Pidge, stretching out a hand. “I’m Nyma, I transferred here from a different location about a week ago, so I’m not a newbie or anything, don’t worry.”

“Katie,” Pidge shakes her hand. “And yes, if that’s not too much trouble that’s fine by me.”

“Great! Please go into the back and seat yourself at the shampoo station; I’ll get my coworker from the back and be right with you.”

“Oh, that's okay, I don’t need a wash.” 

Nyma smiles once again, cocking her head to the side. “Oh, are you sure?” Pidge swallows, feeling heat rise to her cheeks. “Wait for me at the station, alright?”

Nyma heads towards the back of the salon. Pidge follows suit shortly after.

“Hey, Rolo.” She approaches the older man.

“Katie, long time no see.” He smiles down at her. “I didn’t know we were having a reunion party today.” 

Pidge’s confused at first, but before she can ask what he means a door opens behind him. Something sinks in her stomach as three people come out: Nyma, the other stylist –  whom she knew only as ‘Beezer’, and Keith. 

If he was surprised to see her, he did a great job hiding it. He sits down in the shampoo chair by Rolo without a word.

“You should sit too.” Pidge jumps at the sound of Nyma's voice. When she turns to look at her, she’s already holding up a towel for her.

Rolo and Nyma talk among themselves as they work, not once bothering to include either Pidge or Keith in their conversation. She’s somewhat annoyed by them, but she can’t find her voice anywhere, so she says nothing. Pidge doesn’t dare tear her eyes away from the overhead fan, worried that if she looked to her side, her eyes would land on Keith’s. 

…Or would it be worse if they didn't? 

Pidge closes her eyes instead.

It had taken a lot of willpower to not throw up all over himself when he saw her. He was actually proud of how well he pulled it off. While Rolo washed his hair, he’d kept his eyes closed, knowing that if he opened them he’d be too tempted to look at her.

And when Rolo took him to his station, he thought he was in the clear. Then he realized he had a great view of Pidge’s face from where he sat via their mirrors. Nyma was still loudly talking to Rolo, occasionally saying something only Pidge could hear, likely regarding her cut. Rolo would check in with him too, but Keith would just nod to whatever the former said; he didn’t want to speak and have his voice crack from nerves.

His cut was over before Pidge’s, and while less than two minutes ago he would’ve been happy to walk out, he now regretted not attempting to meet her gaze in the mirror. This could've been his chance, and he missed it. He follows Rolo to the register.

“That’ll be forty-nine seventy nine with tax.” 

Huh. “Wasn’t it cheaper last time?” Keith raises a brow.

“Yeah, your hair was really dried out, dude.” Rolo says, his tone implying that that was something Keith should've thought about before. “I deep conditioned it when we washed it, and that stuff’s expensive, man.” He waits a second for him to elaborate, but when all he gets is Rolo’s shrug, he hands over the cash and coins before leaving. 

Outside, he sees once he exits, it had started to rain. It wasn't strong enough to be considered a storm, but he’d certainly get sick if he tried to walk through it to get back home. He rubs the back of his head as he sighs. His hair feels a little shorter than he would’ve liked, though he only has his dumbass to thank for that. To Rolo’s credit his hair does feel very nice.

“You left your receipt.”

He swallows a scream as he sees Pidge behind him, still holding the door as he blocks her path. One of her hands is clutching his receipt. He takes it and steps to the side to let her pass. 

“Thanks.” He glares at it before crumpling it in his pocket. He notices the look she gives him and shrugs, his cheeks a little hot. “I think Rolo ripped me off and charged me more than usual, or at least didn’t warn me it’d be more than usual.”

She lets out a small chuckle. “I’m pretty sure Nyma ripped me off too. I’ve never paid fifty three dollars for a haircut.”

“She charged you that much?” He asks, his eyes slightly wide. 

She nods slowly, before cautiously asking. “Was it worth it? My cut?”

He took a look at her. She wasn't wearing her glasses today, so he guessed she had her contacts in, or that she had a death wish. Her coat was most definitely Matt’s, and her bag was bulking in weird places from all that was crammed in there. Her hair was cut to neatly frame her face, the little length left that remained she had tucked behind her ear, making the hair fluff around her lobes. He smiled softly. “You look great.” He croaks out finally, not because it was hard to talk to her, but because he’d missed doing so.

She matches his smile, if a little more melancholic. She reaches into her bag and pulls out an umbrella, coming to stand closer to him. “Wanna get some coffee?” She stammers out, taking hold of his arm. Keith feels her shaking as she does so.

He takes the umbrella to hold it properly over the two of them, bringing his arm closer to his body to press her hand closer to him. Where they touch, a familiar warmth spreads through him. He hopes she feels it too. “I’ll treat you to match the fifty three you spent today, okay?”

She leans her head into his sleeve as they make their way across the street. “Okay.”

Even though she had been looking forward to her iced coffee earlier, when Keith asked her what she wanted, she surprised herself by asking for a hot drink; a latte no less. Usually, outside of the occasional frapp, she only really drank black coffee. Keith did too, and depending on the time, he always joined her either with his own Americano or an Espresso.

He sets two lattes on the table; one with a leaf design, and one with a heart.

“Thank you.” She takes a sip of hers. Not as sweet as she had expected, which was pleasant. She looked at Keith from behind her mug. He looked good today, especially now that he’d gotten his hair trimmed. Pidge had always thought he looked good in red, but today he was sporting a green utility jacket. She wasn’t sure if it was her or he’d bought it at some point, but seeing him in her “signature color” made her heart swell a little. Keith wasn’t saying anything, and neither was she, but unlike in the salon, it didn’t feel awkward or off. This silence was nice. 

Just them, the rain, and the coffee shop's surprisingly good music.

“How have you been?” She’s almost upset when Keith brakes the silence, but it’s been a week since she last heard his voice after hearing it everyday for years, so she gets over it.

“I’m okay.” She answers, and finds that it’s almost true at this point. “Are you?”

He thinks for a moment, his gaze on his cup, before offering her half a smile. “I am too.” 

Pidge shakes her head. “Why did this happen?” She asks, mostly to herself, but loud enough for him to hear.

“Because I was selfish.” He frowns slightly. “I went searching for something that had already been found where I shouldn’t have been looking in the first place. That wasn’t right.” He takes a deep breath. “And…I’m sorry, for everything that I did.”

Both of them exhale.

“I’m sorry too.” She feels her own frown forming. “I could’ve handled it better.”

“I don’t think I would’ve.” He says honestly. “I deserved it; just about everything you said was right.”

“No, it wasn’t. What you did was not okay, Keith, and I had every right to get angry and confront you.” His face shows remorseful agreement. “But that being said, I didn’t have to talk about you or to you like that. We were both drunk and emotional. Mean things were said.” She wants to reach over and hold him, because she misses him so much, but she also doesn’t want to forgive him yet. “I love you, Keith. Ever since I was small, I looked up to you and respected you. And what you did behind my back really hurt me. What you said to my face still hurts me sometimes, especially when you used my sexuality against me. As if not wanting or desiring to have sex with Lance was a valid reason for you to step in.” She shoots him a weak glare.

“I know, Pi-” He stops himself. “I know, Katie. That was really out of place for me to say. I’m not making excuses for what I said, but I need you to know that the only reason I even said that was because of jealousy. I wanted to have something just between him and I that you wouldn’t have, so I reached for something that was neither a truth nor a possibility.” He sighs, burying his face in his hands. “I would’ve never followed through with it, by the way.” She can still hear him clearly. “It was an empty threat born out of spite that I will spend the rest of my life apologizing over and regretting. I’m so sorry.”

“Why would you even say that to me, Keith?” Pidge’s voice cracks, and she mentally scolds herself for feeling small once again.

“You kept talking about Lance like he was a thing you owned. And I…” Keith’s breath shakes as he collects himself. “And while it had pissed me off before, I realized that it was because I wanted to call him mine too. He’s not an object we can possess, I know that. But I want to eat cotton candy at the fair with him, and watch the sea otters with him, and make fun of paintings with him…” He lifts his face to meet her gaze, a tear already down his cheek. “Because I want him too.”

 “I was lonely and angry then because I wanted his love.” He continues, his stomach filling with rocks. “But as of late, I’m worse off because I miss you, Katie.” Her eyes widened. “I’m so used to it being us versus everything; Pidge and Keith versus anyone. I didn’t say anything about Lance or the kiss because the last thing I wanted was to hurt you. I’m so stupid for not seeing that hidding things from you would lead to a worse outcome. I was unrightfully pissed at you for many wrong reasons. All you had I wanted, and I let that get the best of me and turn me against you that night. I know that this apology is crap.” He chokes back a sob. “You don’t have to accept it, or forgive me. But I needed to tell you that I was sorry anyways, because I can’t leave things as I had left them any longer.” Keith can’t hold it in this time, so he does his best to sob quietly and not cry harder. “I’m so selfish for wanting and expecting so much from you, and I’m sorry. I’m really, really sorry.”

It’s quiet for a few seconds, and Keith is worried he’s fucked up even further. 

“You’re basically my whole world, Keith; my whole life too.” She says softly, her eyes puffy and red. “You’re such a vital person to who I am today, and when you told me that you liked Lance, and that you’d kissed him, it was like you’d turned me into nothing.” She laughs, but he hears no humor in it. “You are selfish. And an asshole.” He doesn't deny it. “So why do I still love you?” She cries, and grasps onto his knees to prevent himself from hugging her. “I love you so much that my hands get warm when I touch you, and seeing your face makes me feel safe.” She stands up tentatively, but doesn’t get a chance to reach out before he pulls her towards him. Keith can feel her whole body shaking as she falls to her knees in his arms. “I love you so much...that I still want us to be friends even after everything that happened.” Her grip on his jacket tightens, and he would do the same if he knew he wouldn’t crush her if he did. “Why? Why do I care about you so much? Why do I wanna forgive you, and forget Lance, and just go back to the way things were?” Katie hits him every other word, and Keith lets her. Her punches are weak and tired; he hopes she’s been eating well this past week. She keeps hitting him for a bit, biting her lip to keep from weeping further. He’s not sure how long this goes on for, but she loses her resolve at some point, and her arms fall limply to her side. “This whole week…” Her voice is hoarse as she speaks. “I spent it worried about how you’re feeling.” He’s too surprised to move or say anything, so she continues. “I constantly thought about how you were dealing with this. How it must’ve felt to be you the whole time I was with Lance. That night we fought, I went over to see him, and all I did was ask about you, and worry about you, and wonder if you and him would’ve been happy by now without me in the picture. Did you do the same?” 

Keith breaks down then, clutching onto her like she would disappear if he let go. As he cries, Katie places her arms around him loosely. He murmurs apologies in her ear, but she says nothing. He doesn’t know if she shed some tears or if she held him numbly with dry eyes. All he knows is fresh guilt once more washes over him, erasing her warmth from his body.

Chapter Text

Lance was tired.

It was the kind of tired he couldn't sleep off with a nap, or wash off with a shower. No matter what he ate, what he drank, or how much exercise he did that day, the sluggishness would cling to him bone deep. Every minute spent in the hospital was agonizing, but every moment spent alone in his apartment was somehow equally as bad.

He’d wished for his brothers to get married and move out the moment the three had first moved in together, but lately he just wanted them to come back from their stupid trip so he wouldn’t feel lonely anymore. It shouldn’t take that long to supervise the construction of a building; it’s not like it was the first one ever made or anything.

He groans as he feels himself becoming unreasonable again. His coworker Carly had called him annoying yesterday, and though she did that everytime they worked together, he had snapped at her then. She was a nice girl with the patience of a saint, and he was thankful she put up with the bullshit he’d been giving her for a week. She’d offered to listen and help, but he genuinely didn’t know what he’d say if he opened his mouth.

He sighs again, packing up and willing himself to disappear anywhere but here.

Lance loved the beach. When he was small, his family would rent a van and make the three hour trip every year on his birthday. Often, he’d beg to go on a random weekend too, especially if he’d had a bad day at school that same week. Usually the answer was no, but sometimes his mom would give in. The next morning, his parents would cram the beach gear in the trunk, and five kids would squish in the back seat of their old-ass Toyota. Everyone would vocalize their resentment throughout the drive, but would enjoy themselves upon arrival; his siblings and his dad agreeing that it’d been worth it in the end, if only to see him that happy. 

He’d give anything to go back to that.

Instead he’s here, clocking out at four thirty AM, with a dentist appointment at eight, and not enough time to rest properly after a full twelve shift. A shift that had been surprisingly busy due to teenagers getting alcohol poisoning on a wednesday night –  or thursday “morning” to be more precise.

Lance doesn’t drive away as soon as he gets in his car. He sits there, waiting for the AC to kick in, debating whether he’s in the mood to listen to music or not. He’s sweaty, he smells like IV, and most of all he’s hungry. There was a twenty four hour Starbucks near his apartment, but it didn’t have a drive through, and the last thing Lance wanted was to get out of his car and go anywhere but home. 

Eventually he does drive away, happy to leave the hospital. There was no music playing, and the streets seemed eerily quiet. At every stoplight, he wills himself to not check his missed calls or unopened texts. In his logical mind, Lance knows that Pidge has not reached out to him, since her personal tone hadn’t made an appearance since prior to their night together. Plus, she didn’t answer him regardless of what app he tried using to talk to her. Still, once he’s parked in the complex’s garage, he unlocks his phone once more, even as he tells himself not to.

As expected, Katie’s name wasn’t among those in his notifications.

Neither was Keith’s.

Lance felt like throwing up. He didn’t know how to fix anything. He hadn’t meant to lead Keith on that day. He was certain he felt nothing more than friendly affection towards him at first, but the day Keith had kissed him…

Lance had only ever felt like that with one other boy and that was a long time ago. 

Neither of them could’ve been more than six at the time, and they’d known each other for the span of the cruise that they’d met on. The boy spent most of the voyage with Lance and his brothers, due to his parents supposedly arguing all the time. Before they parted ways after disembarking back home, Lance had kissed the boy on the lips. He pulled off shortly with a loud pop! The kiss couldn’t have lasted more than three seconds, but the boy’s mother wasn’t impressed, so she dragged him away without a word to Lance and his family. The boy protested, but he didn’t try to free himself from her grasp. When the boy’s taxi drove away, his mom took his hand and guided everyone towards the bus terminal.

He never saw him again.

As an adult, Lance recognizes that even if he counted that as his first kiss, it was a bit silly to also count it as his first love. The memory and appearance of the boy were immensely hazy; Lance didn’t even remember his name nor the color of his eyes. But the excitement and rush of joy he’d felt in that kiss were unforgettable.

He’d kept those feelings in a box for most of his school life, and though his family was openly supportive and encouraging, he only ever casually dated girls, breaking it off when it started to get too real for his comfort level. He never dared to replicate that feeling with them, even with the girlfriend he had most of his senior year. And he never dared to date a boy, even when he’d yearn for his swimming teammates or the Vice Principal’s son –  especially when he’d kissed the latter. 

When Lance met Katie, it was the first time he was tempted to open the box after years of it collecting dust. With Pidge there was a sense of familiarity and home. Like taking the bus when his car broke down, holding her hand in the library, and browsing for small parts at mechanic shops.

And yet, after Keith kissed him…Lance longed for motorcycle rides, discreetly tucking his hands inside leather pockets, and to search for lense caps at photography stores. 

This terrified him. 

He’d been in love, hadn’t he? He’d been happy with Pidge, hadn’t he? So why did one single, arguably sloppy, kiss from Keith change anything? Why had he enjoyed it as much as he enjoyed kissing Katie? Were her kisses not enough? Were his somehow superior? If the answer to both of those questions was no, then why was he still going in circles? 

Was his love for her not strong enough? He knew that wasn’t it, so why did he only look for her twice and then gave up? Why didn’t he try harder to reach out to her?

Why did he think that Keith would reach out to him, for that matter? And why did it hurt that he didn’t? Was it that strong, his love for–  

He stops himself.

He didn’t mean that; he’s overthinking things. 

He wasn’t…

He really wasn’t…

Lance clamped his hands over his mouth, breathing hard. The thought itself felt too heavy to deal with right now, even for his train of thought derailing a bit. He loved Pidge. He knew he loved her. 

He did, he did, he did. 

He could feel it in his fingers as he touched her hair, or on his shoulder when she’d rest her head on it. Every time they touched, he got the feeling Katie was the sun and he was the earth. 

He’d melt to his core just to get closer to her; that was his fact.

Quivering hands slowly let go of his face, and he feels as if all the sand he’s ever swallowed by accident is coming back, drying his mouth and filling his lungs. Hell, it felt like the whole ass ocean is inside his stomach, it’s predators devouring his intestines and guts. His teeth clattered against each other, and he can’t muster to strenght to speak. His entire face feels numb.

He surprises himself when he actually manages to spit it out. Though unintelligible and quiet, his eyes immediately overflow as he processes his own confession. He struggles to breath, and he knows that if he doesn't control himself  he’ll pass out. 

He hears someone yell for him… or is he finally losing it? 

He needs some fresh air to disperse the growing static in his mind. Clawing at the handle, he manages to open his car door, a minor sting barely registering as his body hits the ground. He tries to pick himself up, but his legs are heavy and his arms are jelly. 

He’s hyperventilating. Everything around him is spinning. He doesn’t resist as he sinks into his tiredness, his last coherent thought is of his revelation. Something he’d been hiding from himself for days –  if not for weeks:

Earth had a moon.

Lance had Keith.

Chapter Text

In the overall scheme of things, Keith should’ve seen this coming.

He had known from Pidge’s hesitant smile as she agreed to come home that she was not ready to go back to how things used to be. To be fair, even if she was ready for that to happen, for it to actually happen would still take some time.

If he was being totally honest himself, she wasn’t the only one being cautious.

Their home dynamic mostly consisted of coexistence. Due to their schedules varying in times, eating together was often rushed or scarce during the week. Laundry was usually done together, but that was mostly to Keith not having enough dirty clothes for his own load. House chores were divided, and oftentimes done on random days regardless of the schedule they had set – he couldn’t remember the last time either bothered to move the carpets or heavier pieces of furniture when they vacuumed. 

Correction: he couldn’t remember the last time they vacuumed at all. 

And yet, the first thing he’d said when they both walked in was an apology for the mess.

The remainder of that Sunday was spent in awkward silence and over compensation that he was not used to with Katie. There was never asking or being asked; if he got up to get something to drink, it was expected he’d bring her something too. If she was going to make lunch for herself, one of the two sandwiches she made was always for him. 

The constant “do you want anything?” or “Is that okay?” and any variation of the two were driving him crazy.

He couldn’t sleep that night, barely holding back his desire to smash his head against the headboard repeatedly. He had never felt this alien around Katie, not even when they were just starting to become close, though one could argue that that was due to them being kids at the time. He couldn’t help the knot in his throat though.

He missed her.

 All he wanted to do was listen to her stories from the lab that day, or make fun of their brothers together. He’d settle for throwing M&Ms at her as they watched a nature documentary, pointing to the fat animals or gross insects saying ‘Hey, that one looks like you’ to one another. 

But Keith knew, deep in the pit of his stomach, that things couldn’t go back to how they were before.

No matter how much he hated the thought of it.

Monday morning Pidge woke up disoriented and confused. 

It took her a couple seconds to realize that she was in her own bed and not Matt’s guest bedroom. Once this was evident, she pulled her covers close to her face and took a deep breath; she missed the smell of her own stuff. 

She rolled out of bed with a slight grunt, fixing her hair as she headed for the door, but she stopped short with her hand on the doorknob. From within her room, the distinct sizzling of bacon could be heard, though the apartment had yet to start smelling of it. 

It’s funny, she thought, how easily she’d disregarded that Keith lived here too.  

She opened the door quietly to peek into the hall. To her left, Keith’s door was opened, to her right, she could sort of see him by the kitchen sink. She can’t really hear him, but it seems like he’s talking to himself, something she didn’t think she’d missed until now. 

She backed into her room once more, closing the door. 

Pidge searched her room for her glasses twice, however it seemed she’d left them at Matt’s, as she’d opted to wear contacts yesterday. Without a new pack in hand, she held her phone close to her face to search for his number, noting he hadn’t given a single fuck at her “disappearance” last night, if his lack of texts were any indication of it. 

“Yo, good morning.” He answered after two rings.

“I was kidnapped and murdered last night, did you know that?”

“I’ll write you a nice obituary.”

“I’m going to punch you later.” 

“You’ll miss me; your glasses are on my coffee table.” 

“Bring them over and I’ll punch you softer.” Pidge pinched the bridge of her nose, holding annoyance back poorly.

“Calm down, you big baby, Keith told me you were with him.”

“...He did?” Her tone was more surprised than she’d meant it to be.

“Yeah, he said that you went back home, which, like, good for you guys for sorting this out! Y’all are so mature, could not relate.” Though Matt’s voice was teasing, she could tell he was being sincere.

“I don’t know if I’d say we ‘sorted it out’ yet.”

“Well, duh. Obviously not, it’s too soon, but you guys will get there. You just need some time and everything will be fine. I promise.”

“Do you…” She bit her lip, choosing her words. “Do you think our friendship will be fine? Like, can Keith and I go back to how things were before?”

“Katie, can I be honest with you?” 

“No, absolutely no.”

Matt laughs. “No, no, it’s nothing bad, don’t worry. I just think that, in my humble older brother's opinion, things shouldn’t go back to how things were.”

“I don’t understand?”

“Well, this happened because something wasn’t working, Katie. So, going forward, maybe you guys should work whatever was that caused this, you know? Like work on being more open to one another and to communicate better.”

“Yeah.” She hung on his words for a moment, not quite getting what he meant but nodding anyways. “Yeah, okay. That’s a good change for the future, I guess.”

“How about the near future?”

“What?”

“What’s Keith doing right now?”

She took a whiff of the room. The smell of bacon was pretty evident now. “Making bacon for breakfast, and something else maybe.”

“Well, why don’t you go and keep him company? Talk to him, Pidge, he doesn't bite. Besides, it doesn't have to be heavy or serious talk; talk about work or anime. Anything works to get back to talking again. Baby steps only lead to big boy sprints!” She could hear his grin over the phone.

Pidge grinned back, even if he couldn’t see it. “Alright, alright. I’ll go and try to talk to him. Please do bring my glasses and my bag when you come to the lab later.”

“Will do; can’t wait to get punched softly.”

She snorts. “Bye, Matt.”

“Bye-bye.”

Once he’d hung up, she tossed her phone aside and stood up. 

She could go out and talk to Keith. She’d been talking to him since before she knew basic trigonometry, and that was way harder than talking to her friend. Her best friend, she reminded herself, shaking the nerves off her hands as she pulled the door open.

She’s met face to face with Keith, who had his hand up and ready to knock. To their credit, neither shows if they were startled by the other.

“Hi.” He cleared his throat. “Good morning.”

“Hey.” She stands to her full height, which was still half a head shorter than him. “Good morning to you too.”

“Did you sleep well?”

“Yeah. Did you?”

“Not really.”

Silence.

Her throat felt scratchy. “So, uh, what’s up?”

“Oh, I, well–” He looked down, and she noticed for the first time the tray he carried. “I have a photoshoot thing in like an hour, so I made breakfast. I was gonna leave it on your desk, cause I didn’t think you were awake.”

“Oh.” 

“Yeah, you don’t have to eat it though.” 

She felt a smile tug at the corner of her lips, though she hid it with a cocky expression. “I won’t.” He looked surprised; he’d clearly not expected a rejection, and his expression almost makes her laugh. “Not in my room anyways.” 

He watched as she gently snatched the tray from him, and made her way back into the dining room. She set it down opposite to where his food sat. Pidge’s serious character is cracking; she’s too amused at having shaken him up.

She looked around the table, before turning to him with a laugh lacing her words. “What, no coffee?”

Keith blinked for a second, processing what happened before he grinned and dove into the kitchen. He returned with a fresh made pot and two mugs in his hand. He also had the regular milk carton tucked under his arm, which made her give in and smile.

Though their meal started in relative silence –  a comfortable one, she might add –  she mustered up the courage to ask if he’d watched their show ahead without her to which he’d answered ‘I would never’ with a soft look. 

From then on, conversation was easy, almost like it’d been prior to last week. Keith laughed at all her jokes, and she’d rolled her eyes at his. They’d raise their mugs in synch to take sips from their coffee, and would giggle about it like it was the first time that had happened; just like they’d do every time. 

When he chugged down his cup and shoved the bacon in his mouth, scrambling to get his things stating that he was running late from losing the track of time, she felt nothing but joy and a sense of naturalness over the scene. Even when he yelled goodbye, and she listened for his rushed steps until they faded down the hall; even when she was left alone at the table with dishes to wash and her plate unfinished… 

Pidge had to admit it was nice to be back home.

Tuesday was the week’s longest day in Keith’s opinion, even prior to today’s Tuesday.

He’s been behind in some photoshoots for Allura’s upcoming campaign, and had stupidly promised to get them done before this upcoming Thursday, not realizing that his usual studio was booked all of Wednesday. He’d gotten the men’s shoot, as well as the footwear shoot out of the way yesterday, having been blessed with an unbooked studio most of Monday morning.  

He did fight to stay for longer, but the studio had been firm in their answer. Besides, the magazine shoot happening after him had reserved the space in advance, and he had to respect that, as much as he didn’t want to.

He should count himself lucky that the studio was free today, and that most of the regular models were available on such short notice, but as of right now it was very hard to feel lucky at all.

He’d been in the studio since it’s opening at seven Am, helping everywhere he was needed due to being short staffed. He was used to aiding with lighting and set setup, as he was picky when it came down to it, but it was particularly harder to get things how he wanted them when there were fewer people to help carry out his vision.

 His chunky boots quickly proved to be an inconvenience, and he ended up in his socks due to his aching feet before shooting had even started. 

The models were all very efficient, and he appreciated that the staff was working to the best of their abilities and at a fast pace as well. It couldn’t be easy as a group of five –  two stylists, one hair dresser, and two make up artists – to help seven models in and out of clothes, as well as the several different make up looks and hairstyles for the different outfits and shoots.

  Two hours flew by before Keith was satisfied with all the clothing photos he needed for the website, including promotional and listings. They moved onto jewelry and makeup products, which took longer between shoots as certain products had individual or more intricate looks in order to follow through with what Allura had envisioned.

She hadn’t been able to make it, which meant that instructions to the MUA’s were given via video call, which wasn’t ideal, but seemed to be going decently as far as he could tell. 

Though, the sound of Allura’s voice over the phone only served to remind him how last minute this whole fiasco was. She was always one to oversee and step in during shoots for Altea, and he felt really guilty to have put off work last week to the point where this had to happen.

Allura was too nice about it too, stating that so long as he got the job done –  which she knew he would –  everything would be forgiven and forgotten.

As reassuring or kind as those words had been, all it did for him was add weight to the already unbearable importance of these photo-shoots, and he could tell that his small team of staff and models were starting to feel it too. Additionally, he wasn’t able to secure proper catering, so he’d asked them, quite defeated, if they would take some fast food on him when one PM rolled around.

Thankfully, they’d all agreed and had been very understanding with the whole ordeal. In fact, during their thirty minute pizza break, two of the models had asked him if he was feeling better, which he left wondering if Allura had spun a sob-story to get everyone to be so cooperative today.

Either way, Keith was grateful they were. 

He thought himself skilled with a camera.

Whether it was on his phone, on his professional equipment, or even on a disposable, Keith prided himself on having an eye for beauty. He always knew how to angle himself or his subject to get the best light, and which hues to use in editing when it came to making the model’s skin and hair look healthier or glowey.

He was a perfectionist, which was why all his sessions took so long. 

Models would often complain, in good humor he hoped, that posing for him left them sore, especially if it was an editorial or a themed shoot with usual props. However, everyone he’d worked with always agreed that the finished product was worth it, regardless of the time it took to get there.

This Tuesday’s shoots were no different, especially with a deadline to meet.

A little after five was when he finally called it a wrap, everyone dispersing to pack up almost immediately. He took the time to thank everyone individually, helping them clean up their stations and equipment so they could head home faster. Keith felt like he couldn’t thank them enough, even when reassured it was no problem. 

He promised himself he’d send them all flowers as a token of his appreciation the moment he got paid.

He was the last one out of the studio, thanking the front desk profusely on his way out, and was the last one to leave the parking lot in order to make sure everyone drove off before him without any trouble. 

As soon as the last car pulled out, Keith deflated. His sore feet were back inside his heavy shoes, and if he laid down on the pavement, he was sure he’d pass out. Instead, he looked inside his bag, making sure everything was in its place before going home. 

He had two memory cards to go through, with roughly nine thousand photos in each –  and those were from just today. He’d yet to browse through Monday’s memory cards, which included the men's shoot, the footwear shoot, and one half Altea’s unisex line.

Keith wanted to slap himself, though he knew this situation was one hundred percent his fault.

He shouldn’t have cut work, even when Allura didn’t chase him up on it and was so understanding when she did. He’d known the launch was coming up; she’d told him about it months prior when she first told him she’d wanted him to shoot it. And he knew that the only reason she was so adamant about getting the photos before Thursday was because of her marketing team, otherwise she would’ve waved it off and given him more time.

He was one lucky bastard to have been able to pull it off in the end, seeing as the last thing he wanted was to jeopardize his friend. He wouldn’t dare complain about staying up all night to select and edit his photos; it’s what he deserved for being so nonchalant about it.

Keith sighs; he wasn’t complaining…but the prospect of going through several memory cards to select and then edit photos with little over twenty four hours to do so… 

He stuck his bike helmet on, a migraine and a distinct dryness in his forming at the thought. 

With a huff, he drove away from the studio, the humidity of the afternoon causing his leather jacket to cling to his arms. The sun hadn’t started to set yet, but the sky was already tinted with that distinct orangey hue. Traffic was sort of terrible, which served to aggravate him further and make his headache worse.

He pulled into a drugstore parking lot, not bothering to take his helmet off as he walked in. Keith sulked over to the eye care section and picked up some eye drops, not caring what brand so long as they were marketed as moisturizing. The last time he pulled an all nighter staring at his screen, his eyes had stung the whole day after. He wasn’t going to suffer through that again. 

The old lady at the cashier was slow, and she took her time as she scanned and checked out the lady before him, causing Keith to lose the little patience he had left. 

He opted to eye the candy by the registers instead of glaring at the old lady. He didn’t have much of a sweet tooth, but he found himself drawn to all the kinds of gum they sold. He was mid debate between a spearmint pack or a peppermint pack when he spotted gummy worms on sale underneath. 

“Next.” The old lady called.

“Coming.” Keith grabbed both packs before heading over to her. He passed her his items. “I won’t need a bag.”

“Of course.” She smiled, and he felt guilty over his annoyance with her. She was just doing her job, and who was he to lecture her how to do it? Especially after today. “Will you be paying cash or card?” She asked him.

“Cash,” He pulled out his wallet, but didn’t pull out any bills.

“Did you forget something?” 

“No, I…” He trailed off. He rushed back to get the gummies, and handed them over along with twenty dollars. “These too please.”

“Of course.” She smiled once more. Keith smiled back this time.

After his transaction had been processed, he left his change in her tip jar, and put everything in his pockets. He popped a piece of gum in his mouth before resuming his ride to the apartment. Keith doubts the trip was as short or as fast as he felt it’d been, but he knows he’s a little eager –  and a tad nervous –  to get home, so he brushes it off.

When he gets home, he’s disappointed to find the lights all off. 

Katie was still at the lab. 

Of course she was; she usually stayed longer than her shifts anyways.

Keith walked over to the couch and collapsed on it, tossing his next to him. He pulled out the pack of gummy snakes from his pocket. They were a little crumpled and stuck to the packaging from the heat. With a snort, he chucked them onto the coffee table and leaned his head back. 

It seemed like this distance between him and Katie had been going on for forever…what was it like before they met Lance again? 

Little outings, but lots of hangouts with their friends over. Trips to the grocery store with her riding inside the cart. Picking her up from the lab to get pizza, regardless of the time. Calls over his helmet’s bluetooth speaker, bad movie marathons, loads of black coffee, and debates on which of his dairy milk substitutes was the least gross.

And warmth. Lots and lots of it.

Keith smiled. He couldn’t wait for that to happen again.

He picked himself up with a grunt, feeling a little less tired than before. It took awhile for him to find a pen, as he’d chosen to search every room but his own and hers for one. Once found, he wrote a post-it note for Katie – hope you had a good day in his illegible short-hand –  and left it and the gummies on her desk.

Grabbing his bag, Keith took a water bottle from the fridge and headed into his own room, not bothering to turn on any lights. He changed his leather and jeans for an old tank and some sweats, and tossed his boots into his closet with little care for them. 

As he settles onto his bean bag, he puts his blue light glasses on and inserts the first SD card of the night into his computer.

Keith never thought he’d miss the smell of smoke in the apartment, nor the miscellaneous socks everywhere, but he does now that they’re gone. And though it’s hard and he sort of doesn’t want to, he knows he’ll wait for them to come back patiently. He’ll wait as long as it takes for Pidge to trust him again, and for things to heal.

He had pictures to go through ‘till then.

Pidge had no recollection of falling asleep, though the clock by her work bench indicated that she had.

It wasn’t a rarity that she would stay behind to finish project models or mockups, even past the lab's eight PM closing time, though it was rare that she was so careless as to fall asleep on the job. Maybe she hadn’t drunk as much coffee as she thought she had been. 

Stretching her arms over her head, she notes proudly that she had at least finished what she was doing prior to passing out. She eyed the clock again, finally sinking it that if she wanted to make it to the last bus of the night, she had to run for it. Pidge stuffed everything within reach into her bag, not bothering to double check if her phone and wallet were among those things.

She shouldered her sweater atop her lab coat, and she turned off all the equipment and lights as she headed towards the doors. The security card hanging from her neck couldn’t work slower tonight, as she had to tap it repeatedly and rapidly against the readers several times before it scanned.

By the main entrance, the night duty guard shot her a pointed look, which she answered with a shrug and a shy grin before she sprinted past him. Almost every guard that worked here knew her, though she was sure none of them liked her that much. One time she’d come in three hours before opening time, and the less said about the police showing up thinking she was breaking in the better.

Pidge is out of breath by the time she gets to the bus stop a minute past eleven fifty. She prayed the bus was running late, as this one was the last one in this particular stop; she didn’t have anyone to pick her up if she missed it.

Thankfully, the bus pulled in a little while later, around the time she had finally started to breathe normally again.

Drenched in sweat, she climbed on and swiped her bus pass, thankful that she had grabbed her phone and wallet from her desk. She sat in the back, though the whole vehicle was empty but for the driver and herself. As he drives off, Pidge slumped over from exhaustion. The streets were still filled with cars, even for a late Tuesday night. She watched the cars drive by in a blurr, her glasses having slid down her nose as she gazed out her window.

Most of the time, Keith would offer to pick her up from the lab and get dinner after, but she hadn’t seen him since yesterday. He’d left early this morning, and he hadn’t texted her all day, though she hadn’t texted him either. In fact, it hadn’t occurred to her to call him and ask him for a ride at all, and now that she had time to think on it, Pidge realizes that she wouldn’t have called him anyways.

Keith and her were okay, but it’d’ve felt wrong to ask for a favor this late at this time.

Upon her arrival at her stop, she thanked the driver and wished him a good night. She hurried over to the apartment complex, partly due to walking alone at night –  a fear she wasn’t immune to. The other part was eagerness..

In spite of everything, there was something so comforting about going home to Keith again.

She was greeted with darkness when she opened the door to the apartment, and had it not been for the set of keys hooked by the front door, she would’ve fooled herself into thinking Keith wasn’t home. She smiles slightly as she hooks her keys in her own slot before heading to her room.

Her bag landed on her desk chair with a thud after she tossed it, and she discarded her lab coat shortly after. Her desk light is lit, and atop her desk is a pack of sweets. Her favorite gummy snakes to be more precise.

Pidge feels a familiar warmth spread through her as she reads Keith’s note, and she notes how his handwriting hadn’t changed much over the years.

Ripping the bag open to pop a gummy in her mouth, she tiptoed her way to Keith’s room. There seemed to be no light coming from his room, but she heard the faint sound of a computer fan through the door before she knocked softly.

“You don’t have to knock.” Keith answered from behind the door.

Pidge pushed it open, coming to stand by him after closing it again. “You were going to knock on my door the other day.”

“You’re a girl; you need your privacy.”

“You need privacy too.”

“That’s a foreign concept to me.” He patted the spot next to him on the bean bag, but seemed to regret it as soon as he did. 

“Yeah right.” Pidge sat beside him, feeling the tension leave his shoulders as soon as she did. She watched him edit the folds on a girl’s skirt, adding more shadows underneath them to add more depth and volume to its frills. “What are you working on?”

“Altea’s next collection drop.” He muttered, rubbing his eyes under his glasses. “I’ve been doing this since I got home and I’m not even halfway done.”

“And yet you stopped at the drugstore.” She looked up at him smugly, his face illuminated only by the light of his computer. He was focused on his screen, and had it not been for the faint color in his cheeks, she would’ve thought he didn’t hear her. 

A moment passed, where only the only sound was the clicks of his mouse. “You should get some rest.” He said quietly, his tone bashful.

“You should too.”

“I need to get this done before Thursday; don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” He barely stifled his yawn, and she tried her best not to show signs of her laugh.

“Then I’ll be fine too.” She rests her head on his arm, noting how his fingers hesitate before they keep working. She doesn’t know why she was being so chill with him tonight, but she doesn’t fight it. The familiar feeling of normalcy between them was nice. “It’s only twelve anyways,” She pointed to the clock on his screen. “Since when do we sleep before one anyways?”

From the corner of her eye, she catches his small smile. 

Pidge kept quiet as he worked, only piping up when he asked for her opinion on the photo he was working on. Keith was focused, his hands moved diligently on the keypad and tablet as he shaped and reshaped small details in each frame. The changes were so minuscule that had she not seen him do them, she wouldn’t have noticed the change. Yet, after he was done with his touch ups, the pictures managed to look better than before.

She’d never helped him with photos before, she notes. She’d never been to one of his shoots, nor had she seen the raw pictures like this. He’d shown her the finished product in websites or magazines, but never his process to get there.

He’d never seen her prototypes either, she realized. 

Neither her sketches or schematics or blueprints, which seemed crazy seeing as she’d been living with him for years now and had known him for thrice that amount. Matt had been right; there were still things in their dynamic and thoughts that they kept closed off or unsaid, which was how and why they’d ended up where they were.

No matter how much they talked or showed to one another, all they had been seeing had been things they’d already known or figured out; all he saw from her and she from him…was the end product.

She didn’t feel angry or saddened by this revelation in her friendship with Keith. If anything, Pidge felt a little dumb she hadn’t noticed these things before. Instead of dwelling on it though, she was determined to work through it. Just like with everything she had ever built or worked on, there were always ways to improve and there was always time to fix.

“Hey.” She spoke softly.

“Yeah?” He matched her tone.

“Thank you.”

“…For the candy?”

Pidge laughed, but didn’t say anything else. He didn’t press her.

She doesn’t really notice the time pass; much less does she notice Keith drift off. She’d only noticed he was sleeping when his pen fell out of his hand and he didn’t reach for it. By then, the clock on his computer stated it was almost two thirty in the morning, so after she made sure his work was saved, Pidge took his computer and tablet and set them both by his legs. 

She took his and her own glasses off to place them on the desk, and grabbed the hoodie that hung from his chair to drape it over them both. Keith shifted, and for a moment she thought she’d woken him, but he sunk further into the bean bag instead. She chuckled softly, giving him a soft pat on his cheek as she got comfortable too.

“You’re a moron, Honey Buns.” She whispered, and it’s the last thing she recalled saying before drifting off too.

Chapter Text

Keith sneezed himself and Pidge awake.

In his defense, it had been her hair that tickled his nose, so he only felt a little guilty over waking her up, though he did feel bad about sneezing on her face. She’d just laughed it off – after she shoved him off the bean bag that is.

“You’re so nasty, this is why we don’t have sleepovers anymore.” Pidge stood up, stretching with a mewl. “I don’t know why you like that thing, my whole back feels sore.”

“It’s not meant for sleeping, or for two people.” He got up as well, fixing his hair. “Or for two people to sleep on.”

“Noted.”

“What time is it?”

Pidge shrugged, reaching for her glasses on the desk so she could look at the clock besides them. “It’s almost six thirty.”

“No wonder I’m still tired.” He yawned.

“That makes two of us. I never wake up this early.”

“I do, but only for work.”

A pause.

“OH FUCK!” Keith dropped to his knees, making her wince when his joints cracked from the impact. He slapped his computer open and typed his password in a rush. After searching through his files, he sighed in relief; nothing seemed to be missing or to have gotten lost. “Oh, Jesus Christ.” He flopped onto his butt, slumping against the foot of his bed with an arm draped over his eyes. “I just lost three years of my life.”

"Like you have that many left.” Keith didn’t bother to answer her with more than a grunt. “Come on, you can keep working after we eat.” She pulls his arm off his face and up, attempting to help him stand.

“You go on ahead.” He slid further down onto the floor. “Leave me here to die among my photos.”

“Shut up, you big baby.” She tugged harder, but didn't manage to even lift him from the floor, much less get him upright again.

“I’m not worth this trouble.”

“No shit you’re not!” She struggled. “But I’m not about to walk to the donut shop, so get up!”

“Oh, so that’s why you want me?” Keith sat up, sending Pidge flying onto the desk chair with a yelp. “Your true intentions come to light!” He whined in a mock tone. “You don’t want to eat with me, nor do you want to feed me! You want me for my bike, nothing more.”

“You’re insufferable.”

“And atop it all you insult me! What sort of disgraced being would I be if I gave in?”

She rolled her eyes. “A disgraced being who’d get a donut on their friend if they shut up and drive.”

“Okay, alright.” He stood and approached her with a smile. “Ready when you are.”

“You’re incorrigible.”

“I don't know the meaning of the word.”

“You don’t know the meaning of any words.”

“Are you gonna sit there and insult me or are we actually going to get donuts?”

“Keith, we still need to get dressed.” She crossed her arms and legs at him, an amused look on her face.

“When has that ever stopped us?” He said, leaning on the armrests on either side of her. “Besides,” Keith gave the chair a hard push, which sent Pidge rolling towards the door with a screech. “Who gets dressed to get donuts at six in the morning?”

The back of the chair bumped into the closed door. “You’re trying to kill me! First the plague and now this?” Her laugh betrayed the angry act she was trying to mount. “Fine, just put on a sweater or something; seeing your whole arms is weirding me out.”

Keith looked down at himself slightly embarrassed. His arms were pretty pale and scrawny looking, even if they were mostly muscle. With a pat to his shoulder – where his tank top “sleeve” covered his skin – Pidge left to get her shoes. He stuck his tongue out at her before she closed his door behind her.

Keith didn’t own a lot of casual shoes. The only exception to his collection were a pair of birkenstocks that courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Holt had gotten him on their last trip to Germany. He and Pidge had a matching set, but it was sort of an unspoken rule that neither could wear them out of the house.

However, he didn’t feel like zipping up or lacing any of his other shoes, which were all boots or heavy set sneakers, so he slipped them on and hoped no one but them would be getting donuts at this hour. As per Katie’s request, he also slipped on the hoodie they’d used as a blanket earlier.

While he waited for her to get ready, Keith went over to charge his phone, which he’d forgotten to do yesterday. As it slowly charged and came back to life, he double checked his wallet to make sure he had enough bills to treat her, since he hated using his card for anything other than online or pricey purchases.

Pidge had claimed she’d be the one to pay, but they both knew he wasn’t going to let her do so. Not because he was a gentleman, but because, as her friend, he didn’t like the idea of her spending money when he could do so instead. She had the same mentality, and ever since they started hanging out at places where money had to be spent, it had been natural for them to fight over who was paying for everything.

Usually, whoever got to the cashier first would attempt to pay for everything, though if someone was handed the bill, the other was not allowed to dispute it. That meant that more often than not they’d give him the cheque, causing him to thrive in his victory while Pidge would go off on how assuming and sexist the establishment was to assume he was the one that had to pay; especially if she’d asked for the bill.

Having been lost in thought, Keith hadn’t noticed Pidge had returned until he heard his door close. He turned to smile at her but froze upon seeing her face.

Pidge’s brows were furrowed in worry as she held her phone to her ear. The little light in the room made her look ghostly and somewhat lost, like she’d come into his room because he’d know the answers to her unspoken questions. He made a move to walk towards her, but she put her finger to her lips, walking to sit next to him instead.

She said nothing, her face scrunched as she absorbed whatever she was hearing.

She clutched onto his sleeve, her hand seeming so small due to her sleeve being too long for her arm length. Her feet were fidgeting, and while he knew it was not the time, Keith couldn't help but note her dark green socks and black birkenstocks as she bounced her foot repeatedly.

After a moment, she lowered the phone to her lap, looking defeated.

He didn’t have a chance to ask her about it, as she passed her phone to him before burying her face in her hands. For a second, it looked like she’d fallen asleep like she’d do in class; sitting up with her glasses still on, her face hidden by her hair and hands to simulate looking down at her paper instead of drifting off.

Hesitant, Keith lifted the phone to his ear, restarting the voicemail from Lance, fully expecting his voice to deliver a break up speech on the other side. The static at the start of the recording already has his mouth dry.

“Hi, Katie?” Asked a woman. Keith raised a brow in surprise. “Is this Katelyn? Katelyn Holt?” Her voice had an echo, like she was in a tunnel or in a parking lot. Her breathing was hard, and he could hear a distinct panic in her tone. “This is Veronica, Lance’s older sister.”

Keith’s breath hitched, and he vaguely felt Pidge’s attention on him, though he was too stunned to acknowledge her.

“I’m sorry to be calling so late, but you were one of the last people he called, and I-I don’t know who else to reach out to at this point.” She was crying, Keith could tell that from her stutter and from how her breaths got shorter and faster. “I was going to crash in Lance’s apartment, but when I got out of my car he passed out in the parking lot. I called the ambulance already, but he’s bleeding pretty bad. I think,” Veronica’s voice was shaky. “I think he cracked his head open, but I don’t know how bad he is – I’m just an IT damnit!”

Keith’s mind reeled. He wanted to ask Veronica a million and one questions about Lance; was he okay, was the cut in the back or in the front of his head, was he conscious or was he still knocked out? He barely managed to keep himself from asking, remembering last minute that this was nothing more than a voicemail.

“I don’t know what time you’ll see this, but when you get this please call me. Luis and Marco are out of state, I can’t get hold of Rachel, and our parents don't live near the city. Please call me back, please. I’ll text you my number through his phone. Please come see him.” She sobbed into the phone as sirens started to grow louder in the background. The voicemail ends abruptly with a male voice telling her to step aside.

He lowered the phone onto his lap, his own breath coming out in quiet pants. His vision was foggy, and the room seemed to move around him. He tried to remember every name she'd listed, not that it mattered － he just wanted to focus on anything but the fact at hand.

The voicemail had been left at five o’ nine.

Pidge’s phone stated it was six twenty seven; Thursday early morning.

Keith almost threw up.

Pidge didn’t say anything, and Keith didn’t either; it was understood that no words were needed right now.

She gently took her phone out of his hands, her thumb hovering over the call button, but settled to text Veronica instead. Her throat felt too tight to talk anyways.

Pidge had never met Veronica, but she had heard of her and of Lance’s other siblings – whom she’d also never met. She’d seen pictures of them in his apartment and had heard the stories, but just as she hadn’t formally introduced him to her family, he hadn’t to his. Lance had met Matt purely by chance, and it hadn’t exactly gone like she’d wanted it to.

It was a tad strange, to start off her first time texting Veronica asking if Lance was conscious. Veronica made several spelling mistakes when she texted, and she didn’t capitalize her ‘I’s nor did she use proper punctuation or grammar. Pidge was reminded of how Lance texted, and this didn’t help lighten the mood in the slightest.

The only good thing she got out of the short exchange was an address for the hospital they were in, which as fate would have was the one Lance worked at.

The first place she’d met him.

Life sucked in some ways more than others.

She held on tightly to Keith as they rode to the hospital on his bike, the humid morning air making her eyes water more than she was already struggling with. Though the air around them was warm and her glasses were foggy from the heat, Pidge felt indescribably cold.

Even when Keith parked the bike and helped her off, she didn’t let go of him, afraid that the moment she attempted to walk on her own, she’d collapse with her knees giving out under her.

As they walked to the entrance, the red hue of the rising sun shone behind the building. The sight would’ve been quite beautiful if it wasn’t for the fact that the mere thought of red made her think of Veronica’s words and an injured Lance. She’d mentioned that she’d been one of the last people he’d called, but she hadn’t seen his name pop up on her screen since before Sunday, which made her stomach churn even further.

Lance was a social person, and if he’d been isolating himself because of her…

Don’t think like that. This is not your fault. She bit her lip. Accidents happen.

The cool white and blue of the waiting room greeted them along with a somewhat chilly air from the air conditioning, stinging her sweaty and tear-streaked cheeks. There was a nurse on the front desk that she’d never seen before, and there were a couple other people in the waiting room, but Pidge’s eyes immediately landed on the woman with the fluffy brown hair in the chair closest to the hall. Her head was hung too low to see her face, but her nails clacked loudly against the arm rests as she tapped her fingers, the heel of her left boot matching the pace as she bounced her along.

Pidge wished that she could say it was a moment of clarity, where she spotted the relation to Lance from a mile away, or that she felt an immediate connection to this woman because she was related to the man she loved and longed for.

In reality, that feeling was nothing but a small inkling, instigated by the bloody cuffs and miscellaneous splotches on the women's plaid gray coat.

Pidge tugged Keith weakly in her direction.

He looked as rough as she felt. Both of them were prone to dark circles and bags under their eyes if they didn’t rest or sleep enough, which meant if he had them she likely did too. Her own eyes felt puffy, so while his did not, Keith’s eyes did look a bit red along with his nose. She hadn’t felt him cry on their ride over, but it was very probable that he held it back for her sake, which she appreciated.

“Veronica?” Pidge hated that her voice sounded hoarse; it served to remind her she hadn’t said anything since she listened to the voice mail.
Veronica looked up, her tan face smeared with mascara and looking rather sickly. “Katie?” Pidge nodded, which was met with a tight hug and a relieved but shaky sigh. “I didn’t know who else to call. Thank you for coming here.” Though she didn’t ask him for a name or an explanation as to why he was here, she hugged Keith tightly too. “Thank you.”

“Veronica,” Pidge swallowed, trying to keep herself at bay, for Veronica more than for herself. If she cried, there was little doubt in her mind Veronica wouldn’t crack too. “What happened? Why was Lance…?” She swallowed.

Veronica shook her head. “I was out with some coworkers nearby, and we lost track of time drinking. I wasn’t that drunk, but I didn’t want to risk driving, so I walked over to his place. I saw him in the parking lot; I tried waving to him, but he fell out of the car and didn’t get up. He was bleeding when I got to him and he was unconscious. I don’t know what happened.”

“Is he okay now?”

“They’re running some tests, and I think they’re giving him stitches for his head too.” She looked down at her hands, and Pidge could see that she still had some dirt and blood in her nails and cuticles. “I was so scared. I didn’t know what else to do but hold him like I used to when he was small.” Veronica whispered, her voice breaking at the end.

“It’s okay, he’ll be okay, right, Keith?” He nodded, but his face was still a little grim. Pidge did her best to smile, holding her hand softly. “We’re here too, if anything.”

Before she could thank her, a nurse walked over to them and asked if Veronica could please follow him. Pidge simply nods when the other turns to check if it's okay for her to do so. She watched as Veronica walked hurriedly behind the nurse, meekly asking him questions about her brother.

Pidge breathed out, a shudder shaking her breath and her whole body. She felt so frail and exhausted. Why was this happening? Was he okay? Was the cut bad? Was it deep? Would it scar? It didn’t matter to her if it did, but she knew it would matter to him. Why had he fainted in the first place? Had he been working too much? Not eating enough? Lance’s eating habits and schedules were all over the place, with his only constant being that he either drank two liters of water a day or none at all…

Oh my God, has he not been drinking water?

Keith’s arm dropped around her shoulders, causing Pidge to let out a small ‘umph!’ She looked up at him, a small pout on her lips. Keith wasn’t looking at her; his eyes were glued in the direction where Veronica had gone in. His face had gained a little more color, but his brows were still knit together in stern concern.

“Don’t blame this on yourself.” He said quietly.

“Are you not doing the same?”

“We shouldn’t.”

“We shouldn’t…but we do so anyways…”

“You care about him, it’s normal to think that you could’ve prevented this but you had no way of knowing what he was going through.”

“I could’ve answered his calls.”

“You didn’t have to.”

“You said ‘you’ not ‘we’, as if you’re not at concerned as I am.” She raised her brow at him. He still doesn’t look at her, so she looks away from him as well. “I’m not that feeble or spiteful, you know.”

“I’m sorry.”

“We’ve been over this.” Her tone had a bit of a bite to it, so she softened a little before she continued. “You’re allowed to love him.”

“I love you more.”

“You love me differently.”

There’s a hushed whirl of the air conditioning, as well as the murmur of the others in the waiting room. Cars have started to become louder outside, though they’re still pretty muted. So many people were on their way to work or to school, and she was in a hospital in her pajamas, sitting with her best friend waiting to hear the condition of the boy they were both in love with.

This was just peachy.

At least it was, before Keith started to buzz with laughter. At first, he’d tried to contain it, out of respect for the others in the waiting room, but soon he couldn’t help it, and his snickers and chuckles could be heard in every corner of the room.

He even pulled his arm away from her to clutch his stomach as he cackled.

“Keith, what are you doing shut up!” She tried to shush him, but Keith had always had an infectious laugh, and as much as she tried not to, she too was struggling to keep a straight face. “Stop it!” She smacked his shoulder, still attempting to quiet him down. “What’s your fucking problem dude?” She wheezed.

“I’m sorry, I just – ” He snorted, covering his mouth with his sleeve, still trying to compose himself. “Why are we doing this while he’s bleeding to death a few rooms over? Like, it’s kind of messed up and stupid that were quarrelling right now.”

“Oh my God, don’t jinx him!” Her mouth dropped open for a bit, before she smacked him again and snorted herself. “And we’re not quarreling, you’re just backtracking my acceptance process!”

“Oof, I’m my own worst enemy.”

“Be serious!”

“I am!”

Someone on the other side of the room commented, purposely loud enough for them to hear, that it was really loud in the room and that people needed to quiet down. This made them giggle a bit more, but they did slowly collect themselves after, Pidge feeling a lot better than she had prior, regardless of the uncertainty and worry that still sort of lingered in her mind.

“But, dude, for real,” She wiped a tear from her eyes, though she wasn’t really crying; she was just having too much fun in the waiting room. “What about Lance?”

“What about him?” He raised his brow at her. His flushed cheeks now a result of their amusement.

“Well you know I like him, and you know that you like him, and I know both of these things, so… what about Lance? What happens now?”

“What happens is that I question why you want to have this conversation now, of all possible times.” She shrugged, waiting for him to say more. He sighed, rolling his eyes exaggeratedly. “Okay, fine. Yes; I like Lace. No; I don’t know what happens from here.”

“Me either.”

“Okay, so let’s rain check this conversation.”

She shot him a stern look. “Keith.”

“Katie.” He whined back. “I’m not gonna put my friendship with you at risk again, much less over the same guy.” He paused, not meeting her eyes. “You can keep him.”

She smiled weakly. “But you still like him, which would take us back to square one.”

“… So I keep him.” She laughed, and he smiled at her for that. “But that’s still square one, just on the opposite side.”

“Bingo.” She tapped his foot with the side of her own. How embarrassing. She thought. We’re wearing matching birks in public. And I’m wearing mine with socks no less. Keith tapped her back, and for a bit, she just enjoyed doing this with him, basking once again in the odd sounds of the E.R. “Maybe,” She huffed, slightly frustrated. “Maybe I should break up with Lance.”

“But you love him.” He frowned at her.

“So do you.” She frowned at him.

“But he makes you happy.” He snapped.

“So do you.” She snapped back, but broke into a smile when he did.

“This conversation is so pointless.” He threw his head back onto the head rest, while she laid hers on his shoulder.

“We’re so pointless.”

“I believe you meant to say ‘I’ in the sentence instead.” She laughed, clasping her mouth shut when she realized how loud it’d been. “So is that it?” He asked.

“What is?”

“You and Lance; is he really going to disappear from our lives?”

“I know I usually know everything,” He elbowed her softly. “But this time I don’t know…” She admitted. “It’s not like I’m an expert, but I really don't think there’s anything else we can do…” She closed her eyes and racked her brain around.

Pidge knew the answer to almost every question she’d ever posed herself, and if she didn’t at the time she usually always figured it out soon after. Why her robot wasn’t operating properly? Faulty wiring. Why was their shower’s water pressure off? Needed a new shower head. What was the spelling of every word she’d ever been asked in a spelling bee? Just ask for the definition if you’re unsure.

Her eyes snapped open. What was that one word?

Pidge sat up, racking her brain around for every word she’d ever asked the definition for in a spelling bee. It started with a ‘P’… why couldn’t she remember anything else about it? Think, Katie, think… ‘Po’- something….

“Are you okay?” Keith’s hand rested on the small of her back, and he’d leaned over to be at eye level with her.

“There’s an unless.”

“What?”

“‘I’m not an expert’, blah blah blah,” She paused for effect, clutching his sleeve and feeling a little manic. “Unless!”

“Whatever it is: no.” She visibly deflated at his response.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” She sank back into her chair, keeping eye contact with him as he leaned over her. “It’d probably be – no, it would be – totally weird and awkward.” She laughed when he nodded, though he had no idea what she meant. “I was being stupid.” She sighed as she shielded her eyes from the LED lights. “Besides, Lance would have to agree to it and he’d likely never do so, so it was a really dumb idea. Never mind. Forget I said anything.”

“But you didn’t say anything?”

That wasn’t Keith’s voice.

Slowly, Pidge lowered her hand and turned her head, Keith already staring at the speaker with wide eyes and a completely crimson face. She felt her own face burning the moment she met the bright eyes beaming at her from the seat behind hers.

“Care to finish your thought, Katie?” Lance asked, his cheeks tinted pink as he smiled at them.

Chapter Text

“Your sugar levels were a little below average, but your blood pressure’s okay; not ideal, but okay.” Vale unwrapped the sphygmomanometer from Lance’s arm. “I know sleep for us is scarce so I won’t even ask, but how about meals? Have you been eating properly?” 

“Define properly.”

She scowled at him, but handed him a juice box and a pack of gram crackers anyways. He didn’t open either. “Turn around so I can look at your head.” Lance complied. Her fingers were very gentle as they parted his hair to reveal his stitches. She traced the area around them with her nails. “It’s still pretty swelled up, but it wasn’t a deep cut –  just a long one.”

“It was five stitches right?”

“Yeah, they should be good to come off in about ten days, so just be careful when washing your hair, though don’t shower today if you can avoid it. Keep the cut dry for twenty four hours, okay?”

“Don’t I have blood everywhere, though?”

“We can wipe it off your hair with a wet cloth if you want.” She rubbed a crusted lock between her fingers. “Want me to get you a change of clothes from the break room? I think I still have that sweater you lent me the other day.”

Lance nodded. “Thanks, Vale, sorry for the trouble tonight–  er, today. I know those highschoolers are a handful as is; you didn’t need to see me here as a patient tonight.”

“If you’d gone anywhere else Carly would’ve knocked you out herself.” Vale waved him off, writing something down on her clipboard. “I’ll tell Jones to get your sister and I’ll go get that sweater okay?”

“Okay.” He waved as she stepped through the door.

Lance took a deep breath. Tentatively, he brushed his palm over his scalp, the dull headache he was sporting sending a pang of pain when he made contact with his cut. Of course he’d fainted crawling out of his car and of course he split his head on the parking chock. Had Veronica not been there to help him…He’d rather not think about that. Neither had a clear recollection of how long he was passed out, just that he woke up in the hospital before Jones had had the chance to stitch him.

Veronica had been asked to wait out front, and for the first time in a long time, Lance felt a sense of dread being alone in a doctor’s office.

There had been a small piece of the chock’s concrete stuck inside the skin, which had helped in reducing the bleeding but had increased the need for stitching. The gash itself was jagged and uneven enough without taking into account the hole left by the piece’s removal. 

Lance hadn’t moved or winced when Jones cleaned him up with tweezers or sewed him shut, but voiced complaints over getting some locks chopped off while patching him up. It was around that time that his headache had started, and Jones speculated he was also concussed, though Lance brushed it off with a shrug.

He felt sick to his stomach too, and that was certainly not due to head trauma. 

When he’d first woken up, he’d been too disoriented to remember how he’d ended up where he was. Now that he was more aware, everything about his minor –  “minor” –  freak out was coming back to him, and somewhere along the way, his recollections had brought in some guilt to keep him company on his hospital bed.

He thought back to Katie’s late visit to his apartment and everything she had said or insisted upon that night. What had then been frustrating to hear was becoming more embarrassing to finally comprehend. She had known about his feelings for Keith, possibly prior to that evening, but surely longer than him. She had witnessed him falling for Keith before Lance even noticed he’d tripped; completely unaware of the facts.

His girlfriend had known he loved her best friend.

Who does that?

Un pedazo de mierda, that’s who.

Lance grunted, pinching the bridge of his nose as his head pounded. His introspection and internal monologue were not helping.

“Lance?” 

He looked up to see Veronica peek her head in from behind the door, her eyes twinkling as she tried to keep her composure. “Hi, Vero.” He says softly

She walked over carefully, like approaching something with the fear of scaring it off. Once she was close enough, she pulled him close, squeezing the air clean out of him. “Are you okay? How’s your head? Did you get hurt anywhere else?” She pulled away to scan him, lifting and turning all of his limbs to make sure she got a good look at him.

He squirmed a little, bashful with how fuzzy she was being. “I’m fine, I promise; just a little weak and dirty.”

She pursed her lips, but met his eyes. Lance had the feeling she was trying to pull out  answers to questions she’d yet to voice. “Okay…Okay, okay, you’re okay –  we’re okay.” Veronica took a deep breath, smoothing down her hair. Then, she smacked him hard on the knee. “What the fuck, dude!?”

“Oww, Veronica!” He rubbed his knee vigorously. “I faint and this is how you treat me?”

“Why’d you gotta faint in the first place? Why does my tipsy ass have to deal with your dumbass cracking his egg-head in the middle of the night?”

“I didn’t do it on purpose! Why are you being like this?”

“Because I got scared!” She huffed. “I’m your sister, Lance, what am I supposed to do without you? How am I supposed to deal with seeing you like that?” She sat next to him, her forehead in her palm.

He reached for her shoulder. “I think you dealt with it okay.” 

She snorted in response, but the creases in her brow had eased. Veronica sighed. “What happened, Lanlan? Why did you faint?”

Lance looked away, unsure of what to say to her.

“The nurse boy said that your vitals were fine, and last time you fainted like this was when Marco cut his face open with the swing.”

“Mami had to slap you to get you to react.” He nodded in recollection.

“Not a very fine day for us two, no.” 

“Or for Marco.”

“Or for Marco.” Veronica swiped his cheek with her thumb. “Do you need anything? Are you really feeling okay?”

Lance nodded. “They gave me some painkillers already, and Vale said she’d get me something to change into.”

“How many stitches?”

“Five.”

“Do you need help cleaning up? Your hair’s a little…you know.”

“Yes, please.”

Veronica walked over to pull paper towels from the dispenser, wetting them under the faucet. As gently as she could, she dabbed and pressed pieces of his hair with the wet towels, scraping off some bits with her nails.

Lance closed his eyes, enjoying the sensation even if it only served to increase the throbbing of his head.

“Vero?”

“Mande?”

“In the shows that you watch, like your novelas and what not, what happens with the main character?”

“What do you mean?”

“Like, if there’s romance involved in the plot, do they end up with the person they were in love with?”

Veronica didn’t answer right away. She tossed away one of the towels, the crinkle of the trash bag unbelievably loud in the stillness. “Sometimes, and sometimes not; it depends.”

“On?”

“‘Is their journey over?’ ‘Has the great evil been defeated?’ ‘Did the person they loved change or did they change?’ Things like that.” Veronica leaned her head chin on his shoulder. “Sometimes, who they end up with isn’t heavily implied or well built. Other times it’s not credible. Most of the times, even if they do end together, you can’t help but wonder if maybe somebody else was better for them in the long run.” 

“Oh.”

“Is this about Katie?” 

“No.”

“I don’t believe you.” She gave him a sad smile.

He guessed if there was anyone he could confide in, it was his sister, so Lance told her everything between shaky breaths. 

“I love her,” He continued. “But sometimes I worry that she’s not the only one I love. So I’m worried that maybe…maybe I’m not destined to end up with her. Or either, for that matter, if I can’t seem to fully focus on only one of them. I’m falling into the stereotype of indecisiveness and selfishness, and I don’t want them to view me like that.”

“I doubt they see it that way, Lance.” Veronica squeezed his shoulders in reassurance, but Lance didn't buy it.

“Why wouldn’t they though? They have every reason to dislike me.”

“Well for starters –  I might be wrong, I don’t know –  I’m pretty sure both of them are still in the waiting room.”

“WHAT?” His jaw ached as it stretched open, his disbelief grand. “Stop lying, that’s not funny, I almost died today.”

“I’m not lying!” Veronica chuckled. “I was panicking because I couldn’t reach anyone, so I called Katie and she came with a pale, skinny dude with black hair; is he the other one? That you like, I mean?”

“They’re here!?” Lance bounced himself off the bed and rushed towards the door. He just barely missed smashing into Vale, who had been about to reenter the room. Snatching the sweater from her hands, he slipped it on as he dashed down the hallways.

Both women called after him, but with his head pounding and his heartbeat in his ears, he was able to drown them out. His whole body felt like it was on fire and freezing at the same instant. 

The hospital's halls had never seemed this long before.

He skidded to a stop at the corner that led into the waiting room. Peeking from behind a plant, Lance tried to spot Keith and Katie without being seen. There were a couple older folks in the room, likely the parents of the teens, but those two were unmistakable.

Pidge’s light brown hair was an out of place puff, strands and pieces flying in no coherent direction. Next to her, Keith’s hair was a similar situation, and though it was shorter than he remembered, Lance was still heavily reminded of Mel Gibson. Both wore what looked like pajamas and sandals, and kept knocking each other's feet with their soles as they talked. 

Walking over slowly, Lance halted to a stop when Katie burst out laughing, clamping her mouth shut as soon as she had. He sat behind her as she bent forward in thought, and watched Keith rubbed her back as he leaned over with her. 

Though his ears were ringing and the LED was making his eyes itch, Lance forced himself to pay attention and tune into their conversation.

“‘I’m not an expert’, blah blah blah,” Katie was saying, and she held her pointer fingers up for effect. “ Unless !”

“Whatever it is: no.” Keith responded, which caused her to sink back into her seat.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. It’d probably be –  no, it would be –  totally weird and awkward.” She laughed when he nodded, though Lance figured Keith had as much of an idea of what she meant as he did. “I was being stupid.” She rested her head back, shielding her eyes. “Besides, Lance would have to agree to it and he’d likely never do so, so it was a really dumb idea.” 

Lance smirked, more amused by the conversation than annoyed at the comment. He scooted closer to them.

“Never mind. Forget I said anything.” Katie sighed.

“But you didn’t say anything?” He declared. 

Keith turned to face him as soon as he spoke, his face going sheet white before switching to a pale red. Pidge took a little longer to look his way, seemingly still trying to process what was going on. The moment their gazes locked, she too flushed. 

Lance couldn’t help but beam at them. “Care to finish your thought, Katie?” 

“Lance?” Her voice was coated in surprise. “I–  what? What are you–  huh?!” Beside her, Keith couldn’t seem to speak either, opening and closing his mouth but not managing to speak any words.

“What? Is no one gonna give me a hug?” He grinned.

Upon his invitation, Pidge climbed over the seats to hug him.

Her grip was vice-like when she pulled him closer to her. Her shoulder dug slightly into his throat, her arms were too close to his wound, but he held her as strongly. His hands rested on either side of her rib cage, and her heartbeat pressed into his stomach. She smelled a little of sweat and pine and something else he’d smelled before but couldn’t place.  

She pulled away a bit, and for a moment Lance thought –  Lance hoped –   she would kiss him, but she pressed her forehead to his as she held him. Then she pulled away entirely so Keith could hug him too.

Keith’s hug lacked Katie’s firmness, but where she had gripped onto him, Keith’s hands clung to the fabric of the sweater instead. His nose was buried on Lance’s shoulder, his arms wrapped around him, fists full of clothing by his shoulder blades. Keith too smelled of pine and sweat; additionally he smelled like Katie.

Katie smells like Keith.

Keith drew back but didn't let go, so Lance held him at arm's length. “How are you feeling?” Keith’s voice was an octave too low and too serious for Lance’s taste.

He didn’t get a chance to reassure or calm either. A sudden wave of nausea forced him off his feet, a sharp throb spreading through his whole face and neck. Had he been full, Lance knew he would’ve thrown up. Covering his mouth and closing his eyes, Lance tried to will away the sickness for a little longer.

His hand still relied on it’s hold on Keith to keep him stable. Katie ran her hands along his spine in an attempt to ease his pain, but their silence outweighed their physical support.

“There you are! How we doing, buddy?” Veronica walked over, some papers and her coat in hand. Lance shook his head in acknowledgement, still trying to keep from gagging. Veronica didn’t seem impressed. “Yeah, well, I don’t know what you expected from running around a hospital with a head wound and a concussion, you dumb fuck.” 

Lance wanted to groan at her, feeling embarrassed in more ways than one, but only managed a weak glare. 

She smiled gently, crouching down so that she was face to face with him. “C’mon, mami and papi are on their way to your apartment, they'll meet us there.” Veronica patted his knee –  the same one she’d smacked earlier. “Can you stand, Lanlan?” 

Lance let go of Keith, wrapping his arm around his sister’s shoulder before he attempted to stand. He was still queasy but would be fine for now. He wiped his mouth, using his other arm to keep the sweater closed. He felt hot and gross; this wasn’t the reunion he’d prayed for.

“Thank you for coming, Katie.” Veronica spoke, looking apologetic. “I feel a little silly now, since he’s fine, but it means a lot that you’re here.” She turned to Keith. “You too; I’m very thankful you stayed too, though I’m sorry I never asked for your name.”

“It’s Keith.” 

“Keith.”

“This is Keith.”

Veronica’s eyes swam between the three, not hiding her amusement at their unified response. “Well, thank you, Keith , for coming here with her.” She eyed him before nudging Lance with her hip, who’s face grew redder by the second. “May we three see eachother again in different light and circumstance.”

She began to make her way over to the entrance.

“Wha– ,” Lance swallowed. “Wait.” He shot her a pleading look, and without a word, Veronica unwrapped herself from him.

“Don’t be too long, I already called the cab.” He nodded, waiting until she was out of earshot before facing Keith and Katie, both of whom were standing but made no attempt to get closer to him.

“I,” Lance searched inside himself for all the confidence he always exuded, but found not even a drop of it was left. “I’m sorry if I worried you. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.” He prayed they knew he didn’t just mean his passing out.

“Lance, it’s okay.” Pidge offers.

“You don’t have to apologize for that.” Keith adds.

“Oh…B-But I have so many things I’m sorry for that anywhere is a good start.” Come on, Lance, deep breaths. “I’m sorry for hurting you, Katie.” She sucked in a breath. “I know an apology will never cover or heal any pain I caused you, but I want to give you one anyway.

“I’m sorry that you knew and understood everything before I did. I’m an adult, and yet you had to expose my own feelings to me, which I ignored instead of dealing with. Had I been honest with you and myself that night, we could’ve talked it out. But we didn’t and I’m sorry. I should've tried harder to reach out to you after, and I should’ve loved you harder prior. You’re a wonderful girl, and I’m sorry couldn’t be a wonderful man for you –  one who could give you his whole heart. I’m so sorry I put you through that. No one deserves to feel what you felt”

“Lance…” He didn’t meet her eyes when she called for him. 

Instead, Lance focused on the floor between his and their feet, and drew a line and a boundary. “Keith,” He didn’t need to look to know Keith had straightened his posture. “I owe you an apology too. 

“I’m sorry –  for everything. The nickname, the sidelining, leading you on, kissing you and not going after you that day. It wasn’t right of me to not sort through things and to ask you to keep quiet over the phone. I completely disregard how you were feeling. 

“When we were at the coffee shop all I did was talk about Katie and I urged you to fix things with her as if you were the only one in the wrong. But you’re not Keith, because everything that you were feeling I felt too. Except instead of taking and shouldering my share of the fault, I did my best to hide from it.”

Keith didn’t comment; he didn’t need to to convey that he had a million things to say.

Lance took a deep breath, proud of himself for not crying. “I’m sorry that I messed everything up for everyone. I’m sorry that I fell in love with a girl and her best friend and proceeded to drive their lives and friendship through the dirt.

“I don’t deserve anything from either of you anymore, but I ask that you believe me when I say that these past few months have been some of my favorite in my life. I’ll always be thankful that I had a chance to love you; both of you –  thank you for that. And, thank you, for that brief moment when…when all three of us loved one another in peace.” 

Having gathered all his courage, Lance looked up at them. 

Katie’s cheeks were splotched the same color as her pursed lips, and Keith’s hands were balled by his sides. Both of their faces read several emotions of which none could Lance distinguish. His nose was clogged, and he was doing his best to breathe as quietly as he could, his throat too closed up to let him pant through his mouth instead. 

If this silence carries on my heart will come up my esophagus… 

Mierda, that’s not my heart.

With a tight grasp on his chin and mouth, Lance turned on his heel and darted for the doors. Pidge and Keith yelled for him to wait, their voices sounded like they were coming from all around him. He was seeing double, and noted too late that he wasn’t exactly gunning it in a straight line.

His shoulder smacked onto the door frame hard, shaking the glass panes as he skidded into the floor. Lance felt he spun opposite to the world’s rotation, the burns of his fall filling with dirt in exchange for his blood. He had no idea if he’d puked or not, too disoriented to feel his own limbs. One look at the blinding sun turned off his senses. For a moment, all was white, ringing unclarity.

“Lance, are you fucking serious right now?” Veronica kneeled next to him. The sounds of the city slowly registered, along with his vision returning to normal. “Are you okay?” She asked.

“Lance!” Keith came to a stop by his side, shielding him from the light. His cheeks were full as he smiled lopsidedly down to him. He was clearly trying to not laugh at him. 

“Dude, you almost broke the fucking hospital!” Pidge quipped up, stepping up besides him, her arms crossed in amusement. “Didn’t anyone tell you that you can’t run in there?”

Before he could respond two hands were offered to him. 

Lance’s eyes widened.

 He knew he was concussed, but he hadn’t thought it severe enough to hallucinate. Shakily, he reached out his hand, fully expectating theirs to disappear upon contact. Alas, when their fingers touched, Lance pulled back in surprise. “What are you doing?” 

“We’re helping you up?” Keith quirked his brow up. He turned to Katie. “Is this not customary when someone falls?”

“Perhaps he’s referring to why we're acknowledging him?” She fakely mused, turning her doe eyes back to him. “Is that it, Lance? Are we not allowed to be decent human beings to you anymore?”

“I’d argue I was never decent, but I would never not help someone in need.” Keith touched his heart dramatically. 

“Except for me.”

“Right, except for Pidge, but that’s because I would laugh first.”

“I would laugh at you too, sir.”

“Nice.” He turned his stretched towards her.

“Right back at ‘chu.” She gave him a firm handshake.

Lance gaped at them as they laughed, the daylight surrounding them in a soft yellow haze. Or is that my vision blurring again?

Two hands were once more shoved in his direction.“Well?”  Keith cocked his head, a chuckle in his voice as he spoke. “Aren’t you going to take them?”

“But I– ,” Lance shrunk. “I–I can’t. I can’t just take one…”

“So don't.” Pidge smiled sheepishly at him.

“I don't understand.”

“Lance,” 

“Take both.”

Hesitantly, he reached up.

Pidge’s hand clasped his wrist. Keith’s hand grasped around them. Together, they pulled Lance upright until he stood taller than either. Keith brought his other hand to rest atop their hold, and so did Katie. They both gleamed, traces of laughter in their smiles and their shaky shoulders. Lance’s fingers twitched where he could touch them both, eager for more contact.

“Lance?” 

“Yes?” He whispered, though he wasn’t sure as to why.

“Have you ever heard of something called ‘Polyamory’?”

“So how was the first shift?” Carly asked as she let herself into the front desk, dropping her purse in Lance’s lap as she plopped down on the chair next to Vale’s. “You are so lucky; day shifts for a week? How unfair!” She moaned.

“You know the LEDs would be bad for him.” Vale didn’t look up from her typing.

“But he’s back! So he’s all better, right, Lance?”

“He’s only back because he’s covering for our intern.”

“Am I invisible to you two?” Lance raised a brow, tossing the purse back to Carly, who hung it on the back of his chair. “Besides, I’m up at the desk which is the no fun zone, Carls.”

“Better than – ” She yawned. “ –  the no sleep zone!”

“Who told you to be out with your boyfriend instead of sleeping?” Vale pushed her glasses up her nose.

“Who told you to be sleeping instead of searching for a girlfriend?” Carly pushed Vale’s knee with her foot so the other’s legs would come uncrossed.

“Hey!” She pouted, but directed her attention to Lance soon after with a smug expression. “Speaking of boyfriends and girlfriends…Care to explain the scene from last week?”

“What scene?” Carly sat up.

“Didn’t I tell you over text that it was no big deal?” He brushed Vale off, now all too focused on arranging the stuff inside his bag.

“There’s no way that was nothing, not after you ran around the place concussed and stupefied.” 

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I have the security cams to prove it.”

“You don’t have access to them.” He narrowed his eyes.

“I don’t, but Jones does;” She checked her trimmed nails. “Mr. Gorden’s his uncle.”

“I thought he was my friend!” Lance whined, somewhat betrayed at the revelation of the relation.

“Guys, seriously, what’s going on?” Carly rolled her chair between the two, attempting to woo either to fill her in. “What happened last week? Is this about Lance’s girlfriend?” Carly swiveled to Lance. “Did she break up with you? Did you leave her?” She gasped and covered her mouth with both hands, parting them slightly to whisper. “Did she cheat on you?”

He snorted. “Carly, can you please chill?”

“I can’t, I thrive on gossip and you’re about to clock out!” She pulled at her face, leaning on his shoulder dramatically. “Please please please! Spill the ‘cheese-may’!”

“That is not how you pronounce ‘chizme’.” Vale deadpanned, returning to her typing.

“How am I supposed to know? I'm white, Valentina.”

The two girls kept going back and forward, so Lance found himself watching. With his elbow propped on the desk to support his head, he’d snicker at how the younger of the three would try to drape herself over the eldest like she had on him –  to no avail of course.

The week off had been nice, he supposed. His parent’s had set up camp in Marco’s room, and the girls had fought Luis out of his, so both of his brothers took the couches in defeat. His family hadn’t been together like this since their last christmas get together, and while a little much, their worry and constant watch over him during his leave was nice.

His mom’s cooking every meal, his sister’s pampering, his father’s jokes and funny stories from his childhood shenanigans; the long nights of sleep. Even waking up to Luis and Marco once more was surprisingly comforting. They hadn’t really let him out of the house, his dad being a total worry wart, but he’d been in contact with the outside world via his phone.

Well, somewhat –  his mom had picked that week to learn about blue light and it’s strain on vision, so his phone time was monitored too. Had he been a teenager, he would’ve been annoyed by all the fuzzing and lack of freedom, but he found he hadn’t minded it that much.

They’d all pitched in to keep him entertained, though he doubted Rachel would ever play monopoly with Veronica or Uno with Marco ever again.

Having been lost in thought –  and the girls lost in their spat –  none noticed the two people before them until they dinged the bell on the counter.

The girl was small, yet she carried herself in a manner that took up space. Her hair was poorly bobby pinned away from her face, with multiple flyaways falling by her face. Her honey eyes sat behind her glasses large enough to touch her big freckled cheeks. She wore a beige sweater that looked awfully familiar, and a red crossbody satchel.

The guy was willowy, with dark hair and eyes to match. His slender neck disappeared into a button down with sleeves rolled up. There was a tan line at his wrist, somewhat hidden by cord bracelets and a watch. He bore a stainless steel ring on his left hand, which rested atop the bell he’d just rung. 

“Excuse me, ER Nurse,” His voice was husky, but there was glee laced through it. “You have two patients here in critical need to see you again.”

“ And starving.” The girl giggled. 

Carly batted her eyes in confusion, her hands still balled up in her friend’s coat. “Huh?” She blurted out.

Lance smirked. “Carly, clock me out!” He grabbed his bag and leaped up from his chair, rushing over to the side door so that he could join the two on the other side of the counter.

“Wha–  Wait! Lance, who are these people?” She pushed herself to stand as she leaned forwards on the counter.

“Oh, them?” Lance looked back at her with a sweet smile as he wrapped both his arms around their shoulders. “My partners!” He laughed as Carly’s jaw went slack. “Bye guys!”

“Bye-bye.” Vale raised her hand but didn’t look up from the monitor, a knowing smirk on her lips. “Have fun, you three.”

“What? Hey, wait! LANCE!” Carly stumbled, but didn’t pursue them as they left the building.

“So, what are we eating?” He asked, eyeing both Pidge and Keith.

“Anything is fine by me, I’m hungry enough to eat a whole-ass chicken!” Pidge replied with a grin.

“You’d eat that much regardless.” Keith rolled his eyes.

“Touche.” 

Lance pulled away to unlock his car’s trunk and toss his stuff inside. “So… Chicken then?”

“A whole-ass chicken!” Pidge corrected, to which he winked.

Keith nodded, but didn’t say anything.

“You okay?” Lance stepped up to him. “Do you not want chicken?”

“No, no, I’m fine, everything's good.” He answered quickly.

“Keith, if this is going to work, if we want it to work, we need communication.” Pidge squeezed his arm softly. “No more lack of communication between us.” She urged gently.

“I just,” He inhaled to collect himself. “Are we really gonna do this? Is this really okay; are we sure we want to give this a try?”

Lance cupped his face, and he leaned into his touch. “Keith,” When the shorter male looked up, he leaned in to peck the corner of his mouth. Then, with Pidge’s cheek in his other hand, he brought her up to him and did the same; both kisses chaste, short, and sweet. “I’d be honored, and more than thrilled, to give it all the tries it takes ‘till we get this right.”

“Okay.” Keith smiled, reaching for Lance and for Pidge. “Okay.

“Oh, and I’d rather have pizza.” He raised a brow at Katie, who snickered in response. 

“I can get chicken on my pizza; I’ll live.”

“In that case,” Lance dangled his keys. “Shall the lovely lady, the fine gentleman, and the humble doctor head for some wine and dine?”

“I hardly doubt they’ll give us wine in a pizza place, Lance.” Pidge nudged him as she climbed into the back seat.

“Also, why did you promote yourself?” Keith raised a brow at him from the passenger side.

“Doctors cure people, and I just cured two people of love-sickness.” He blew a kiss at them. 

Both groaned mockingly as Lance pulled out of the parking lot. Katie and Keith immediately jumped into a conversation, and he basked in the sound of their voices. At their first red light, he snuck a glance at the pair. Pidge was leaning in to help Keith find a specific song they wanted to show him, his body twisted so that he could face her better; Katie herself fighting her stretched out seatbelt. 

As he drove past the green light, eyes back on the road, Lance felt his box open for the first time.