Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Keith’s heart hurt, and he couldn’t help but keep staring at the cause of it. Lance was so fucking beautiful, smiling brightly, and Keith wished that he could be the reason for that as Lance danced. Lance was a great dancer, and the way the blue and pink and yellow lights illuminated his perfectly sculptured features. The thing that hurt though is it wasn’t Keith who made Lance smile like that, it was Allura. It was their junior year at the Garrison, their high school, and Lance was most likely not going to be dancing like that with him. He expected this, and Allura was amazing. Everyone loved Allura, and understandably so. Allura was an angel, she was incredibly nice and caring but also highly independent. She and Lance made a great duo, and any parent would want to have that as their child’s girlfriend. He couldn’t hate Allura but also couldn’t help but hate her all at the same time.

Keith’s eyes drifted across his best friend. Lance was in a suit that brought out his tall but well-toned body. He had a black suit with a bright blue tie that looked like his eyes. He really did look stunning. His hair was short and slick-backed, and god did it look good.
“Heyyyy Keith,” Pidge approached him from the side and Keith jumped as his friend elongates the y. “Watcha looking at? Someone caught your eye?” Pidge looks at Keith with a mischievous and knowing look, and the tip of Keith’s ears burn as he retorts.
“I was not looking at anyone! I do not think anyone is worth looking at and I don’t know why you all brought me here!” Keith says, and Pidge just smirks more. Keith knew that was not good but before he could escape, Pidge spoke up again.
“Sureee, so you just happened to be looking at Lance and Allura with the most lovestruck look on your face while frowning? You sure that your very homosexual feelings for your best friend are not why you were looking like that, because everyone knows you don’t like women.” Pidge crosses her arm as she leans against the wall.
“First, Lance is not my best friend. Second, while I like guys and I’m not subtle about it, I would never date Lance. So no Pidge, Lance was not the reason for it.” Keith said and he could see in Pidge’s eyes her frown and surrender. While Pidge was able to keep her body language from portraying exactly what she wanted, if you knew her well, her eyes told you her inner turmoil.
“If you say so.” Pidge finally shrugged, and if Keith were anyone less close to her he would think this was the last time they had this conversation. The teasing tone was light and subtle, it annoyed Keith, but she wasn’t wrong. When was she though. As Pidge walked away, he heard footsteps approach him from behind.
“What’s got you so riled up?” Takashi’s deep voice said just as he turned to meet him.
“Takashi, why is it any of your business. Also don’t approach me while we’re at school, for pete’s sake.” Keith frowned at his older brother who was one of the elected teacher chaperones.
“What if I do approach you, will I ruin your perfect moody lone wolf image? Oh wait, thats already ruined.” Takashi smirked at Keith but frowned when his brother didn’t laugh at that like he normally would.
“Takashi, I’m serious. It’s none of your business so butt out of it. Go swap spit with the love of your life or whatever.” Keith turns away from his brother and starts walking away when a big hand grabs his shoulder and he turns around with a scowl.
“No. You’re not getting out of this. Whatever is happening is clearly bothering you and its my job to make sure you don’t do anything stupid. Today is supposed to be fun, you were excited. What’s wrong Keith?” Takashi was worried and concerned, and he wasn’t masking it, and Keith’s heart hurt more which he didn’t know was possible. As his brother’s words replayed, he looks down at the floor. Takashi was right, he had been excited. He had pretended to not be interested to his friends and it took much convincing, mainly of Lance and Hunk until he “reluctantly” agreed. Meanwhile at home he had been bursting with excitement when his friends weren’t over, and his brother had often had to tell him to shut up. He had been bustling and excited to get out of the house, for once in his life he had been wearing a genuine smile while wearing a suit. His mother had even pointed it out, and tonight even she hadn’t been able to dampen his mood like she normally did.
“Listen, it’s nothing. Just, a bit tired.” Keith smiles weakly, and if his brother noticed (which he obviously did from the way his eyebrows scrunch up), he doesn’t say anything. He didn’t have to, because someone else does.
“Bullshit.” Keith jumps at the voice behind him.
“Adam!” The brothers yelp, one reprimanding and the other out of surprise.
“Takashi, he’s not a child. Also, point proven. You, my future brother in law, are much more aware of your surroundings. I have seen Katie, one of the loudest people I know, startle you.” Adam taps on his head, his face is stoic like his tone, but he knows Adam is also worried.
“Gross, don’t call me your brother in law. And like I said, tired.” Keith replies, and he’s putting all his energy in controlling how he looks to the outside.
“Listen-”
“Are you guys trying to do some fucking intervention or something. I am fine, just leave me the fuck alone.” Keith swears and he death glares before his brother says anything.
“All I was going to say is mind your language. Fine, if you want to be like that, then fine. Just-, please come to us if something is really bothering you. We’re here y’know? We’re on your side.” Takashi says, and Keith doesn’t smile back but he knows that Takashi knows he appreciated it. As the lovers finally leave him, he doesn’t notice Lance nearing him.
“Hey, what was that about?” Keith turns to his best friend, surprised.
“I thought you’d still be dancing with Allura, I mean you seemed pretty happy out there.” Keith smoothly transitioned and he mentally pat himself on the back for it.
“It was fun I guess, though she kept on stepping on my toes. I’m going to get a drink before I get back on the dance floor. Wanna join?” Lance invited Keith, and Keith would be damned if he didn’t accept.
“Are you sure you weren’t the one stepping on her feet?” Keith giggled as Lance faked a dramatised offended look.
“How dare you! I will have you know Mullet that I am the best damn dancer in existance!” Lance goes to launch himself at his best friend, who dodges him expectantly and grabs him in the headlock instead. Lance escapes within seconds (the benefits of having older brothers), but not before Keith gives him a noogie, and the two are laughing. And god, does Lance have the most beautiful laugh. Keith can’t help but admire how pretty Lance looks while he laughs, head thrown back slightly and eyes closed. He has a loud and boisterous laugh, the one that could make anyone light up, especially Keith. Once Lance stopped laughing, he finally turned to Keith.
“Y’know, you never answered my question Mullet.” Lance said, and Keith froze up for a moment, just barely noticeable and if Lance had noticed he didn’t mention it.
“First of all, stop calling me that baldy. And it’s nothing, Adam and Takashi are just worried somethings wrong with me or whatever. They’re just exaggerating.” Keith waves his hand, faux dismissal on the outside while Pidge’s words cycled in his head. His heart was beating like crazy and he didn’t know if it was because of Lance or because of the situation. Wait why would it be because of Lance? He didn’t like Lance, like sure he liked him because they are best friends but only that. Nothing more. Right?
“I don’t think we are but sure.” Adam says, and Keith finally notices they reached the drinks table where Adam’s serving drinks. “What do you boogers want?”
“Adam, what is that name?” Lance scrunches his nose in disgust, and Keith wasn’t sure how he looked cute doing that too.
“You’re boogers. Annoying little-”
“Adam.” Veronica who came over interrupts with a warning tone. Adam just shoots her an annoyed look. “Anyways, what can I get you guys?”
“I hate that you’re here.” Lance says to his sister, and god did Keith share that sentiment.
“Can I get a cup of Coke Zero and a cup of Sprite?” Keith asks, and Veronica smiles and nods after starring daggers at her brother for a last time, going to fill two cups with the respective drinks.
“Oh my god! Do you wanna drink the cups doing the thingy with the arms that you do with ice-cream!” Lance turns to him excitedly and Keith just laughs and nods. When Veronica comes back with the drinks (not before flirting with acxa who was here for god knows what reason for five minutes), Lance and Keith excitedly take their respective drinks and interlock their arms. Adam and Veronica both take out their phones and take both videos and photos as the boys drink with interlocked arms from the elbows. At the end they are a giggling mess, but they’re happy.
Na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na
“Oh my god! This is my favourite song! Come on Keith!” Lance’s eyes light up when he realises the song, Rompe by Daddy Yankee, discarding his cup on the table and grabbing Keith’s hand. The shorter barely has time to put his coke on the table before he’s dragged onto the dance floor. Lance is full of energy and as he dances, Keith can’t help but admire him. He had met Lance in Middle School, and at first they had been rivals in scores. But then one day Lance saw he was sitting alone and invited him to sit with him, Pidge and Hunk. Keith had declined but when he felt a bit lonely later that week, he begrudgingly joined them. He found out that lunch that Lance McClain was actually not a terrible person, he was actually really funny. Lance for how annoying and obsessed with girls he was, was actually really caring and selfless. It was a problem how selfless he was, he would almost always sacrifice himself for others, and it hurt Keith. Keith really wished that Lance understood how he was worth every good thing in the world, and Keith would sacrifice the world to prove that to Lance. It hurt him to see Lance with Allura, but he would always have his best friend and if Lance was happy then so was he. Lance was his world, and he knew that night that he loved his best friend. He loved Lance McClain.

Chapter Text

Keith had signed a music deal. It hadn’t been something they planned, but it was something he was excited for. Not many people signed music deals with renowned music producers at the age of 17. The start of summer, Adam’s family came for dinner and as the families were extremely comfortable with each other, it lead to a karaoke night. When Takashi and Keith started singing, they were oblivious to how taken aback everyone was. While Adam knew how good his boyfriend and his brother sang, he still was taken aback as they sang their hearts out to You Give Love A Bad Name by Bon Jovi.
“You guys should do a music deal with dad!” Adam suddenly sprung, and Keith and Takashi choked.
“Pardon?” Keith asked as Takashi coughed.
“You should, you boys are terrific at singing and your young ages will also have heavy appeal. If you guys want to get good careers, I can talk to the studio andd we can get a professional singing and artist contract for you!” Adam’s dad says excitedly.
“As much as we appreciate the offer sir, are you quite sure?” Takashi asks, polite as ever. Keith nods and Adam just raises an eyebrow.
“Takashi Shirogane, are you doubting both mine and my father’s abilities to tell talent when we hear it?” Adam says and Takashi gulps. Keith can’t help but snort at that, before being pinned by Adam’s gaze being directed at him.
“N-no Adam, I’m just saying. There isn’t much that’s very spectacular about us. I mean wouldnt you want-”
“Takashi, you guys are seriously good. Any stupid little thoughts you have in that brain of your can go away.” Adam waves his hand and Keith is kinda glad to have him. Adam and Takashi had been best friends since the start of college and finally started dating in their junior year. Through all that, Adam had cemented himself as a steady brother figure it Keith’s life, never once doubting his abilities but calline him out when he needed it. This time, he was calling out their insecurities and disbelief, telling the brother that they did deserve this. “If it helps,” Adam starts again, and all eyes are on him, “I can be your manager or on the management team.” Takashi and Keith perk up at that, if they accepted then that would probably help them the most.
“I’m sorry, but the boys will have to still think about it. It’s a great opportunity but it’s also a complicated issue. Thank you for the offer though.” Keith’s mom, Krolia, says for the first time since this discussion started. Keith hated his mom, she left his dad alone to take care of two sons, then suddenly chose to pop in to his life. Takashi put a hand on Keith’s shoulder, taking in the anger that was curling in him like bad air. Takashi made eye contact with him, and he realised his mom was right. This was a big thing, and Krolia did truly have both boys best interests at heart, even if she came late in their lives after their father’s passing acting as only a replacement who didn’t know the same.
“That’s okay, take your time. When you’ve decided, call me and we’ll organise a meeting in my office.” Adam’s dad concludes, and Keith knows he’ll have a sleepless night.

They choose to take the offer. It’s been a month since the dinner and summer is starting to get warmer. Keith is meeting with his friends in a local cafe that they all fell in love with, per his request. He’s fidgeting nervously as he waits, and as expected Lance is the first to arrive. While Lance wasn’t good at waking up because he needed his beauty sleep or whatever, he did get up fairly early and would always come the first to meet-ups after Keith.
“You sleep okay?” Keith looks worriedly at his friend who had bags under his eyes.
“Yeah, just got into an argument with Allura last night and can’t help but wonder if she’s right.” Lance brushes it off, but Keith knows how upset he is. Lance had a big heart, and this wasn’t the first time with Allura that that big heart was hurting.
“Lance, you know you didn’t have to come, or we can talk about it at your place. Listen-” Keith is worried for his best friend, holding Lance’s hand in his as he tries to peer into Lance’s ocean eyes despite his bowed head.
“Keith, it’s okay. I promise, I wanted to come. You sounded pretty excited and it sounded big if you want to hear our thoughts before you confirm. Will you give me a hint or do I have to find out with the rest Mullet.” Lance’s care-free smile was back, and Keith was glad, but he knew that he should go over to Lance’s to check on the boy.
“Well fine, as long as you promise you don’t tell anyone, okay? I’m telling the others when they come, but you can’t tell anyone yet.” Keith said and he leaned closer and lower, like his secret was dangerous. That erupted a laugh from Lance, and he nodded.
“Promise.” Lance finally agreed. Keith pauses for a minute, wondering how to phrase it before he just mentally says fuck it, because it was Lance. Lance would always believe and support him.
“Y’know how Adam’s dad is a music producer?” When Lance nods, his face straight as he concentrated, Keith continued. “Well Adam and his dad offered us the chance to sign a contract with him, a singing contract.” Keith says and he watches Lance process this information. Lance’s face slowly grows into a smile and he jumps out his seat, grabbing Keith’s hands as he positively bounces. That’s what prove to Keith every single time that he truly did love the best person ever, because Lance would be excited for him almost more than he was for himself, even if he couldn’t gain anything from it.
“Thanks Lance.” Keith smiles, and he hopes Lance can’t see how he’s short-circuiting at the way his hands are being held. Lance’s hands are hot against his cold skin, and it was comforting.
“Hey.” Lance says, and Keith’s eyes snap up from where they were fixated on their hands to Lance’s face. “As glad as I am for you, because I am glad, Adam’s dad owns like one of the biggest studios in the world. You’ll get popular quick, and are you sure you’re ready for that. Like when you get popular, everyone is going to like you and try and go buddy buddy. Not only that but what if people start trying to like record your personal life and whatever. Are you sure you’ll be ok with that?” Lance was worried and he gently squeezed Keith’s hand as he talked. Keith squeezed back as he responded.
“I understand the risks and I’m ready to accept them. The one thing I want is for you guys to be secret for as long as possible. It’s just that I-”
“You want to keep this part of your life personal and close. I get it and the others will to.” Lance nods comfortingly, and they both have the smallest smiles on their face, but they’re genuine.

The bell on the door rings out as it turns 3, the time Keith asked everyone to meet there. The two turn, milkshake around their mouths and fries in hand to see who arrived. It was Takashi, Adam and Matt. Takashi had dropped Keith in his car so that they could drive to Adam’s dad’s studio later. It seemed that Takashi had taken Keith on his offer to tell Matt with the rest of them, and of course couldn’t leave his boyfriend out. Behind them Pidge pops out, and she has a cone tipping with strawberry and cookies and cream icecream. Her hair is shoulder length for the first time in years and its braided on one side. Her eyes shine as she sees her friends, and she scores a spot next to Lance. When the older ones arrive at their table, Takashi slides in and is sandwiched between his brother and boyfriend with Matt sitting there too (after Pidge had glared at him when he tried to sit next to her). They started ordering food for the table, waiting for Allura, Hunk and Shay to show up. Allura, Hunk and Shay were late by a surprising 10-15 minutes, but Keith had accounted for any of that.
“Sorry we’re late!” Hunk bows when he comes in, hand in hand with Shay who also bows her head apologetically. Allura is close behind, and Keith can’t help but be annoyed as she doesn’t even apologise, but he brushes it off. He had to be nice and she was still a part of their friend group. She was still Lance’s girlfriend (Keith hated the thought of that but as long as Lance was happy, he wouldn’t get involved).
“Alright, we already ordered some food for the table, so do we want the news before or after?” Takashi asks excitedly, and while everyone discusses it, Keith can’t help but worriedly look at Lance. Lance is quiet, concerningly quiet. He hadn’t missed the dirty glance that Allura shot Lance, the way Lance froze and looked guilty when he saw Allura, and the way that even though there was a buffer of the table and the people, Lance wasn’t okay. Keith grabs Lance’s hand under the table with his own, tracing circles into his palm as he tunes back into the conversation. Just in time too.
“I’m thinking we should probably talk about it now, gives everyone time to really think and who knows? It could help?” Matt suggests, “What do you think though Keith? You haven’t said anything and this whole thing was your idea.” All eyes turn to Keith, one pair having already been on him since before.
“Honestly, I don’t really mind. Only thing I ask is we aren’t late to the meeting after where we have to cement our response. I don’t like being late to things.” Keith says, leaning back in his seat, hand never leaving Lance’s as he comforts the boy. Lance had always been a sucker for physical affection, but he especially needed it at times like this. Keith was able to read Lance like the back of his hand, and he know that he still needed more, so he took that into his hands.
“Hey, I’m going to the bathroom and I’m taking Lance so he can go ogle his face, alright? Wait for us to come back, okay?” Keith says, and he sees the way Pidge nods a shallow approving nod, Hunk smiles gratefully, Allura scowls at him and Takashi looks worried but nods. He grabs Lance’s hand and when they finally are inside, Keith tugs him into a big hug. Keith feels the way Lance just collapses, and his exhaustion is evident.
“What happened Lance?” Keith’s voice is soft, in a tone only reserved for Lance. He carefully threads his fingers through Lance’s hair, his other hand rubbing up and down Lance’s back. Keith was kneeling on the ground, Lance buried into him as he sobbed quietly.
“I-i- um.” Lance stumbles and the door swings open. Keith lets out a sigh of relief when he sees it was Hunk and Pidge.
“Lance!” Hunk says, and the three join them on the ground. Pidge was on one side of Lance and Hunk was on the other and they joined the hug.
“Oh god, Lance, what did she do.” Pidge says, and it just erupts more watery hiccups from Lance.
“U-um. She was seeing Lotor and uhm.” Lance is already crumbling and Keith is quick to sooth him, whisepring sweet nothings to him. “She ghosted me on our date for him, then when I confronted her about it, she just told me that I was overreacting.” Fire brewed between the surface of Lance’s skin, hot and ugly. He could see it in Pidge and Hunk, but even theirs didn’t rival his. How could she do this to his Lance?
“You aren’t.” Keith utters, and he’s calmer on the outside only for Lance. “You aren’t overreacting I mean. This isn’t the first time she’s done this.” Keith doesn’t miss Pidge and Hunk’s angry and confused looks at him about this. “You’ve already asked her to stop seeing him, she hasn’t respected them once. Not only is that her ex, the one who was extremely toxic and on multiple accounts harmed both you and her, especially you. But you also get the right to ask that as her boyfriend, you have concerns that don’t have a compromise. She keeps on ignoring that and going behind your back, that extreme of a want is valid Lance.” Keith says, and while Lance’s pained look is less pained than before, he can see the way Pidge is planning a murder and Hunk is angry. Hunk being angry was one of the scariest things he’s ever seen, but right now it just felt like a smaller flame to his own. Sure, these two really did care and their anger was big, but Keiths? Keith’s flame would burn the whole world for Lance, because Lance was his everything, there was no one else quite like him. He would suffer in silence if it meant Lance was happy, so it would mean he wouldn’t let even his “friend” hurt Lance.
“Hey, I’m going to get Lance a glass of water real quick, ok? I’ll be back soon.” Keith excuses himself, knowing full well that he wasn’t going to do that. Well he would but that wasn’t his main intention. As Lance hesitantly pulls himself away, he gets up. As soon as the bathroom shuts with a click behind him, he storms to the table.
“Allura get out.” Keith says, and the sudden demand causes everyone to be surprised. He can tell that Takashi and Adam see the new anger in his eyes as they don’t try and stop him. Allura just shoots him a disgusted look and sits back further. “Allura, I said leave. This news will be for people who I can actually stand to tell, and after the shit you pulled, you aren’t one. Get out before I fucking make you.” There’s venom in Keith’s tone, but it’s not even a trillionth of the rage he feels inside, every single proton, neutron and electron filled with it.
“No. You invited me and he was being over-” Before Allura finishes, she’s lifted out of her seat and left out.
“He asked you to stop seeing your ex because of the fact he literally got harassed by him. Lotor on multiple accounts could have nearly killed Lance had someone not stopped him. Lance got hospitalised because of it. You have been controlled by him before, he shut you off from the rest of us for months before we got you back. He manipulated all of us Allura. So no, Lance was not overreacting or overdramatic. Lance has had every fucking right to tell you to stop seeing him, you’ve just gone behind his back. You stood him up for fucking Lotor, you chose your boyfriend of 6 months for the ex you dated a month before for only 4.” Keith’s rage is slowly seeping, as he walks towards Allura, who’s respectively stepping back. Takashi finally puts a hand on his shoulder, but by then Allura has finally accepted the memo. When she finally leaves, Keith looks up at Takashi who is also filled with rage. Takashi turns to him.
“Some genuine advice, tell Lance to break up with her.” Takashi says, and he turns to leave the table. Keith gets the glass of water he used as an excuse and goes back.
“That took a while Mullet, what was the hold up?” Lance says, he’s now leaning against the bathroom wall on the far side of the bathrooms, his eyes are a puffy red and there are tear tracks but hes smiling. Hes smiling and suddenly, Keith’s anger is just barely simmering. It’s still there, but Lance just makes him feel it milder.
“Just got into an argument with Takashi over something. Also apparently Allura had to go home for a personal emergency, not sure what though.” Keith shrugs, handing the glass to him. He sees what Lance is thinking and sighs. “I don’t think it’s to see Lotor. But, and I know you won’t like me saying this.” Keith pauses, takes in a deep breath and releases it before continuing, “I think you should break up with her.”
“Bu-”
“Before you protest, think about it. You were only happy for the first month before you found out she was seeing Lotor again. You keep on getting hurt and upset because she keeps on choosing Lotor over you and understandably so. As much as Allura is amazing, she isn’t treating you right. Seriously Lance, I’m tired of seeing you cry over someone who doesn’t seem to give a crap about how they’re hurting your feelings.” Keith says and he looks to the boys on either side to give him back up.
“Keith’s right, even if we didn’t see this, we know that she’s not good for you. Just because she isn’t cheating on you to our knowledge doesn’t mean she isn’t mistreating you. You deserve to be loved by someone who will.” Hunk speaks up, and Keith knows that what he says will never hold in meaning compared to Hunk’s for Lance, so he’s thankful. Hunk had known Lance since they were children. Not only that, but Hunk was always genuine when he said things, the unassuming emotional ones. He was the stable friend who you could come to with your feelings and he would always have your back. That’s just who Hunk was and Keith would never imagine talking that away from Lance. Yet he couldn’t help the ugly flower of jealousy that bloomed in his heart, small but there. He didn’t even fully know why it was there, it just kind of was. He pushed it down though, his whole focus on Lance. He had to be honest though, Lance would always have it, he didn’t even have to ask. God, even with tear tracks he looked pretty. Keith was smitten, and he couldn’t even hate himself for it anymore. Keith couldn’t help but admire the man as Pidge and Hunk talked about this. Lance always got him in a daze, he just felt like looking at him was a daze, like he was an angel that god blessed the world with. Lance was very expressional, talking with his hands and eyes, and as he argued, his every facial emotion and the way his postures would change with every thought in his head. Lance was every good thing in the world, and Keith was so damn happy to have him.
“Hey Mullet, what’s got you smiling like that? Thinking of your girlfriend or something?” Lance teases and Keith starts in retorts. If he saw the looks on Pidge and Hunk’s face at that, well he didn’t say. If he also noticed the intentional topic change when given the chance, then he would keep that to himself, for now of course.

When they finally arrived back at the table, it had been half an hour. Half the food was finished except of course Allura’s and theirs. They sat back down and Keith panicked at the time. They had only an hour to tell the others, finish the food then drive to Adam's dad’s office. Thankfully the studio was only a 10-minute drive, but they had to be quick.
“Alright, let’s say the news quick then finish this food quick so we aren’t late.” The others nod as Keith’s panic rises and he spirals.
“Keith, chill, you’re okay. We won’t let you be late.” Lance says, and while he says it nonchalantly, Keith hears the hint of worry and guarantee as his hand falls into Lance’s, being Lance’s canvas for circles this time. He smiles softly
“So uh, should I say it or should you?” Keith asks Takashi, and Takashi beckons him to do it with his head. “Okay, so uhm. You guys know Adam’s dad right, and how he’s a music producer, right?” Keith starts and the others nod, looking the same as Lance had earlier, Lance sends him an encouraging smile as he squeezes his hand. “Takashi and I got a deal and we’re planning on accepting. We just wanted to see what your guys’s input was first.” Keith stammers out, and when he looks up, he’s greeted by proud and ecstatic faces, and it’s the best feeling. He’s finally somewhere where his friends are happy and genuinely excited for him because they care. He didn’t need this to confirm that, but it did, and god was he positively preening in the love and warmth that he was basking in with his friends. That day saved a place in his heart and memory forever. Not only did he sign a deal that would change his life forever, but he also knew that he would be okay. He was happy.

Chapter Text

28th July, was a day that tattooed itself as a special day early on for many people. One of them was Keith, and it was the day when he saw the biggest smile on his best friend. They were celebrating Lance’s birthday at the McClain household. Lance was wearing a blue-grey sweater with white long pants. The cake in front of the boy was a stunning blue night sky-inspired cake. It was made by Lisa, Luis’s wife, and was based on Lance’s love for space and the sky. The cake was a dark blue to grey-blue, with Happy Birthday Lance written in the middle in beautiful cursive writing. Keith was on one side of him, Allura on the other. As badly as Allura treated Lance and no matter how much it hurt Keith for multiple reasons, Allura was his girlfriend. So as he cut the cake, she was by his side, and she fed him a slice. His entire family did, and they beckoned for Keith to do the same.
“Wait but-”
“You are, Now come on Mullet!” Lance chuckled. Keith couldn’t help but smile at his friend as he shoved the cake into his best friend's face. Lance’s laugh was addictive, and Keith got to listen to it all day today. Lance’s mouth was covered in cake and frosting by the time they started cutting the cake to share. It was a red velvet and vanilla checkered cake with blueberries in the middle. Vanilla cake and blueberries were such a Lance thing, but he was confused why there was red velvet because that was his favourite, and only his. He brushed it off though, and he smiled as he saw Lance take the official first bite, and he was in bliss, and Keith just admired the sight. Keith felt someone nudged his shoulder and turned to see Pidge.
“Dude, you need to stop staring if you don’t want to make your deep romantic interest in him obvious,” Pidge said nonchalantly and Hunk was next to them and just acted as if he didn’t hear a thing.
“I’m sorry?” Keith choked, and Pidge just shrugged.
“You heard me, listen I’m in the same boat when it comes to Lance and Allura, I love seeing Lance happy but he isn’t happy with her. I’m planning on talking to him later this week.” Pidge said, and he knew that he wasn’t alone in his doubts. He also was glad to not be the only one bringing this up, he wouldn’t want Lance to hate him.
“Ooh~ what are you guys talking about~.” Veronica pops out of nowhere, and both Keith and Pidge immediately flinch back.
“Veronica what the hell!” Keith screams, and the girl just laughs while Pidge sighs at his friend’s older sister.
“Veronica! Stop annoying my friends! Go hang out with the few friends you have!” Lance calls, and Keith sees him pointing a fork threateningly at his sister while holding his cake in his other hand. He was standing next to Adam and Takashi who had also been invited (mostly to hang out with Veronica). He went back into conversation after glaring at his sister until she put her hands up in surrender.
“Lance will get mad if I stay, but everyone agrees with you about Allura. Even Mom who adores anything romantic.” Veronica walks off with that, and while Pidge shrugs it off, Keith is frozen.

When it comes time to open gifts, everyone is gathered around the same table. The table is filled with gifts, and the gifts pool in front of Lance in large towers. As Lance opened gift after gift, he kept repeating the same phrases but his eyes truly lit up and he was smiling from ear to ear. When he got to Keith’s gift, well gifts, his eyes widened.
“Keith you didn’t have to get me so much!” Lance says, seeing the stack that was in front of him that was solely from Keith and his money.
“Shush, I needed to spend the money somehow and they reminded me of you.” Keith waved his best friend off, and he saw the smile that Lance gave. His smile was cute, his eyes smiling with slight creases at the edge of his captivating eyes, and his smile upturned in a dopey way. He started by opening the biggest gift, visibly confused at the big box. After opening it, his eyes lit up probably the most after he lifted each box out of the big box. The box was filled with a bunch of Lego sets that Lance had been wanting to build just to have something productive to in his free time and to decorate in his room.
“Keith! Jesus, these must have been hundreds of dollars! You didn’t have to get me all of them! Only one would have been okay!” Lance said as he went and hugged the boy, and Keith laughed as he hugged back.
“Hey, it’s fine, now go open the rest!” Keith shooed his friend, and Lance rolled his eyes but did so. He opened the next box which had two big plushies, one blue and one red. The blue one was a shark, Lance’s favourite animal, and the side had stitching which spelled Lance E. McClain written in beautiful cursive writing. The other was a red cat, Keith’s favourite, with stitching of Keith H. Kogane. Lance teared up but moved to open the next box. The next box was filled with a bunch of skincare items, exactly what he used too. There were sheet face masks, spread on face masks, serums, moisturisers, toners, face washes, you name it and Keith had bought it. He had also taken the care to ensure it was the exact one that Lance used too. Lance literally cupped his mouth as he saw it and looked at Keith teary-eyed, and Keith just shrugged as he smiled. Lance moved to open the next box, it was a big box filled with all his favourite snacks and sweets (except for ice cream), enough to last him a lifetime. Then the next was filled with all the books he had been wanting to read and add to his library. Then (a gift Keith forgot to put on the table conveniently) was the guitar that Lance had been asking for for years. Then the pastel blue converses he had been wanting since he saw it on instagram. Finally, he got to the last box. It was delicate and when he opened it, gasped. It was a gold locket with a beautiful blue gem on it that was a light blue to deep blue ombre. He opened it and saw a picture of his family and a picture of their friend group in it. The back had the initials LM engraved on it. Keith pulled out the box card he had made and gave it to him after Lance put on the locket.
“All the boxes had their own cards but here is another small one I made just in case you wanted something more.” Keih laughed nervously, surprised when he was sent backwards by Lance launching himself onto his best friend.
“You didn’t have to do this much!” Lance said, his voice watery as he cried tears of happiness.
“Hey, I’ve been saving up for this and I’ll be able to make it up soon hopefully.” Keith smiled, running his hand up and down Lance’s back in a soothing manner as he hugs Lance.
“You’re insane.” Lance shakes his head as he laughs and Keith chuckles. He feels someone staring at him in a way of like anger and murder, and when he looks he sees Allura with a deathly aura around her. If this had been like an animated show, there would be a black cloud behind her. Once Lance finally returned to the table, the next gift was Allura’s. When he opened her gift, his disappointment was subtle but there. It was a pearl anklet, and as thoughtful and pretty as it was, Lance never wore anklets.
“Thanks love.” Lance smiled, and kissed Allura’s cheek, but Keith could see how both of them were forcing it. He slipped away to go to the bathroom, not noticing his brother do the same with a look of concern. He just leaned against the tub in the bathroom once he was there, not even looking up as Takashi slipped in after him through the unlocked door, locking it behind him.
“Hey bud.” Takashi sat next to his brother. “It’s not fair on you, is it.”
“I- just. Takashi, I can see how unhappy he is, they both are in this. They both are forcing it, and I could treat him so much better, but I’ll never have a chance!” Keith said exasperated.
“Sure you have a chance. You just need to show Lance that he isn’t happy with you and let his heart decide after that. Even if you don’t supposedly get a chance, then someone who sees how amazing you are will swoop in.”
“That’s the thing Takashi! I don’t want anyone but him! I’ve loved him since middle school! I don’t know why this is so difficult.”
“Bud, love is difficult.You have time to figure yourself out. You can take your time.The one thing I suggest because i've talked to Veronica and Adam about this, is talk to him about their relationship. It's not easy and you may fight, but you've proven you always have his best interests at heart and this is in his best interest.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Keith nodded and leaned into his brothers chest, letting himself be wrapped in an embrace. Takashi rubber circles into his little brothers back, whispering sweet nothings as he did. They returned back to the table soon after washing up, they seemed to go relatively unnoticed and Lance was on his last gift. They didn't noticed the way Lance would glance at Keith when he wasn't looking.
and
After gifts it was just time for people to chat, and some people like Hunk and Adam had to leave early because of their curfew (Hunk would go with Pidge and drop them off because her mom asked, then go home to cook dinner before his moms came back from work). As the numbers dwindled down, eventually it was only Keith and Lance’s family still there and the sky is starting to bleed indigo.
“Well, Lisa and I have to get back and put these two gremlins to sleep.” Luis says as he and Lisa get up, pinching Nadia’s cheeks as he refers to his children, and his daughter giggles at that. As they packed up and started leaving, Keith figured that he was probably overstaying his welcome.
“I’m going to head off now too, thank you for having me.” Keith bowed to them, but was interrupted by Lance.
“Dude no, I want to have a sleepover with you! Come one, please?” Lance pleaded, and Keith would be lying if he didn’t roll his eyes in his head and saw the rest of the McClains do the same.
“Fine, but only if Krolia allows me.” Keith relents, knowing Krolia would let him and if she didn’t he would still stay and she wouldn’t try and get him back. He called Krolia, refusing to acknowledge her as anything but his guardian and the woman who gave birth to her, she didn't get that title. Not after the way she abandoned Takashi and Keith after Keith turned 2 for no reason, only returning after their father died. “Hello?”
“Hey Krolia, can I stay over at Lance’s?”
“Sure honey, but be back by evening tomorrow.”
“Okay, bye.”
“Bye Honey! Have fun! I lo-” Keith hung up before she could finish saying the three dreaded words, he hated how she pretended she could act like nothing happened when she tried to act like his mom. He walked back inside, the place that felt more like home than his own house lately immediately calming him down from his bubbling anger.
“Sooo? Can you?” Lance asked immediately after seeing him walk through the door, and Keith sighed and shook his head at his friends eagerness but the smile on his face gave him away.
“Yea, I can.” Keith says finally, and Lance jumps in happiness. Lance drags the boy away, and he sends a look pleading for help to the others in the room, but they just laugh. Traitors.

When they finally reached Lances room, Lance let go of his hand and jumped on his bed. He had apparently forgotten about momentum and he fell onto Lance right after he had flipped onto his back. Keith thankfully saved his head from hitting Lances with his hands, Lance was basically pinned on the bed and his face was inches away from Keith's. When realised their position, heat came up to his ears and he flipped onto the side of Lance. He suddenly loud boisterous laughter erupt from Lances chest and he looked at his best friend inquisitorially. Lance wiped a tear from his eye, his laughter dying down.
“Dude I've never seen you so embarrassed! It looks so cute!” Lance says and Keith goes redder at that, both out of embarrassment and being flustered.
“Shut up, I do not!” Keith whacks Lance’s head with a pillow he grabbed from the side of him, and Lance barely blocks, laughing more.
“You doooo!! You’re even more red now!” Lance says and Keith whacks him with it again!”
“Lance shut uppppp!” Keith whines as he smothers Lance, and when Lance finally pushes him off, they’re sitting cris-cross across from each other. Keith’s arms are crossed and his lips are pouted, and Lance is giving him this unreadable look as he smiles. Then suddenly he’s being pushed back by Lance leaning forward at him and there are lips grazing me. His eyes are wide but he leans into it. It’s short-lived though, because Lance is pulling away and there is a pure look of panic.
“Oh my god! I’m so sorry I-”
“Lance, it’s fine. We can just pretend this didn’t happen.” Keith said, and he tried to ignore the way his heart hurt. He didn’t want to forget this, but Lance had a girlfriend and was probably just testing the waters. Of what, he didn’t know, but it couldn’t mean anything. Right?
“Right, sure.” Lance’s mood is damper than before, and Keith knows his is too.

The mood is eventually back, they’re talking about all the annoying and terrible they know, spilling secrets and drama. They go to eat dinner with the family that’s still in the house, being Lance’s parents and his twin, Rachael. Dinner passed like normal, Keith had been coming over to the McClain household like the others for years, and so he had naturally integrated into the dynamic. The dinner was delicious and Keith still acted with respect, taking his dish into the kitchen and putting it in the sink, offering to help around, etc. Lance’s mom and dad assured him all was well and eventually they returned back to Lance’s room. Keith was scrolling on his phone while Lance showered in his bathroom, and when he came out his hair was dripping, and he was shirtless with his muscles on full display. He may not have looked the part, but Lance was muscular in a beautiful slender way. He was soft and toned in a perfect combination, and Keith knew no one else would be the perfect balance to him like Lance was. Lance had a towel in one hand as he rubbed at his hair frustratedly.
“Hey, do you want me to dry your hair for you?” Keith offers, and Lance nods. He sits at the edge of the bed, Keith swinging two legs on either side of him as he takes the towel and gently courses it between Lance’s brown waves. Lance melts into the touch as Keith gently massages his head, taking his time to admire each wave. He would take the small chances he had, knowing he never had a chance with his best friend.
“You know, I heard what Takashi said to you, and it got me thinking.” Lance suddenly pipss up and Keith steels.
“What do you mean?” Keith asks, hoping he didn’t hear too much. That would ruin their friendship.
“He was telling you how love was difficult and stuff. I was worried and wanted to quickly check on you and you seemed to be having a heart to heart with your brother so I left, but I heard him say that and got me thinking. I mean I don’t know the context for you but for me stuff is difficult with Allura. I just, feel like I’m forcing myself to enjoy being her boyfriend. It’s not that she’s a bad friend, it’s just that is feels like there’s just been like a barrier built after we started dating and stuff.” Lance rants, and Keith is humming to signal he’s listening and understanding.
“Maybe you are better off as friends, it only feels like to me that you both seem to be forcing a relationship, and that isn’t exactly healthy is it. I mean love is supposed to be happy and sure it’s work, but it’s work that feels worth it. From what I’ve seen, the effort you both are putting to be in this longer isn’t working. I know it’s sucky of me to say this, but if you don’t think you’re happy in the relationship, than let it go. You need to be able to live with yourself now, and these decisions don’t seem to have helped you now and no amount of effort you put seems to be paying off.”
“I guess so, I just don’t want to hurt her feelings, I mean I still do care about her, even if I don’t love her. I don’t think I ever did if I’m going to be honest.” Keith pauses again.
“Hold on, what?” Keith asks, peering over at his friend. He isn’t smiling or laughing, he’s serious.
“Yeah, I know I acted like I really loved her but I didn’t. I maybe had a small crush on her, but I’ve just been thinking recently. Theres just been this-” Lance hesitates, and Keith can see how he’s fiddling with his locket, he’s nervous. “There’s this person, and I realised recently that I’ve loved them for like and insanely long time. I think that I just knew I didn’t have a chance, so I projected some semblance of that emotion onto Allura because she was the only person who seemed unattainable for whatever reason. Then she started doing the same then one thing led to another, and I think things went too fast. I mean it was amazing and fun and lovely at first, but now I just feel like everyday I dread waking up because of the fact I have to pretend to love her.”
“Then do what will make you stop dreading waking up in the morning.” Keith said and Lance sighed. But he got up and pulled his phone out.
“Don’t do it on text!” Keith whisper-screamed, but Lance ignored him and the phone made a ringing noise as he started calling Allura.
“Hey ‘llura.” Lance says, and his voice is audibly dull.
“Hey Lance, what’s up?”
“Uhm, I’ve been thinking for a while and I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I think we should break up.” Lance says and the line is silent for a second before Allura speaks up.
“Sure, I was planning to but I didn’t want to make you upset before or on your birthday so I was going to wait a week. I hope we can stay friends, though I understand if you need a little break before we do.”
“Yea, I want to stay friends, but I think I will need a break for a bit.” Lance nods before continuing, “Alright I gotta go, Keith’s here by the way if you want to say hi.” Lance says and Keith violently facepalms.
“Oh hey Keith, alright see you, Lance!” Allura says, and her voice is surprisingly lighter. Lance flops onto the bed, and he changes his wallpaper in front of Keith to a wallpaper of them together. It was a selfie of them, Lance was scrunching his face as he pouted and squeezing Keith’s face while he did the same.
“That’s a cute picture, send it to me,” Keith says, and Lance does. They sit with their back leaned against the headboard, just sitting in the comfort of each other’s company. Lance suddenly gestures for Keith to look up and he sees Lance is taking a picture for his story. He smiles at the camera as Lance does bunny ears behind him, and he reposts the picture on his story with a little red heart. It was platonic, no one would read into it he assured himself. He was lying to himself though. He decided to look at Lance’s page out of curiosity for the first time since homecoming and saw that in Lance’s highlights, there was one with his name, the only highlight that was dedicated to a specific person. It was filled to the brim with stories with Keith, either with the whole group or just Lance and Keith hanging out alone. There were pictures of Keith that had been taken when he wasn’t aware of the camera. These pictures, when Keith saw them, were only justified by saying that they were too good not to share. He got a notification that Lance posted something new, and his new post was pictures of him and Allura in non-romantic poses but still cute. The caption was what made the pain quickly subside though.
Lance M
(10 pictures here)
To my soulmate that’s only platonic, we tried something and I’m hella glad for the memories. You know I’m your boy when you need a friend 💙.
Keith turned and saw Lance staring at the open DM page of Allura as she typed something.
“Hey, I’m proud of you. That was brave and you deserve to be able to tell people. You were really courteous, so don’t worry too much okay?” Keith pats his friend’s shoulder, and Lance gives him a weak smile as tears start to stream down his face. Keith pulls him into a hug, and Lance’s head is tucked into Keith’s chest with his hands fisting his shirt while Keith cards one hand through his hair and the other rubs up and down his back.
“It’s my birthday, I shouldn’t be crying,” Lance says and Keith’s heart breaks.
“Lance, you can cry anytime, even on your birthday. You deserve everything okay? I want you to know that. She didn’t love you right, but I promise that someone will love you every way you need to be loved. The person you love, I’m sure they love you back, and if they don’t then they’re missing out on how amazing of a person you are. You deserve everything good, and we’ll- I’ll do everything to prove that to you. Okay?” Keith says, cupping Lance’s cheeks as he forces his friend to look up at him. The door is busted open and suddenly Lance’s mom, dad, and both sisters are rushing in. In Veronica’s hands are a basket filled with all of Lance’s favourite snacks, sweets and icecreams.
“Oh Mijo.” Lance’s mom cooes, hugging her son and stroking his head, but when Keith tries to transfer him to his mother he doesn’t budge. He just preens at the love, letting his dad wipe his nose with chuckles and kisses on his face. That night Keith falls asleep with a sleeping Lance in his arms while the people around him comfort the boy with him even as he sleeps. There are wrappers and tissues all over.

When Keith wakes up, the first thing he notices is the person whos pressed up against him, and he can’t help but admire Lance’s sleeping figure. He presses a kiss to the other’s forehead before releasing the boy, but is sent backwards by the seatbelt made of arms around his stomach. He smiles, gently and softly removing the hand, admiring one as he holds it in his own, rubbing his calloused thumb over the smooth flesh, the ridges and curves. Lance’s hands were long and slender, sometimes adorned with rings and bracelets which looked beautiful on him. He finally lets go and slips out of the bed. Keith stretches and yawns, wincing as his joints crack. It’s 6 am, and the sun is slipping into view through the square glass panes of Lance’s window. Keith knows the room and house like the back of his hand, so he knows where to find his spare clothes in the house, and he slips into the shower. When he comes back, Lance is still asleep and outstretched on the bed, the white powdery residue of drool on the side of his mouth. Keith takes a quick picture before heading down. He starts to cook pancakes, one of the things he learnt to perfect thanks to Hunk. He makes plenty for the family, making sure to make them according to everyone’s preferred tastes and has already laid out different sauces and toppings. He also prepares other items like bacon and eggs (all also made according to the tastes of people in the house) amongst many other things. By 6:30 he hears the light pitter patter of someone coming down the stairs while he’s still cooking. He can recognise the footsteps as that being of Mrs. McClain.
“Goodmorning Mrs. McClain! I hope you don’t mind but I made breakfast like I know you guys like it, I promise that I will buy the ingredients I used and replenish them.” He bows good-naturedly as Lance’s mother comes to help in the kitchen.
“Oh nonsense chico, you are as much a part of the family as Lisa, and thank you for the sweet gesture.” Lance’s mother kisses him on the cheek and he smiles. If anyone was to be called his mother, it would be Mrs. McClain. She had always acted like a mother to him, and Hunk had once compared her to Molly Weasely which Keith agreed was a fair comparison. By 7, most of the family had awoken by pure habit and because most also still had work. The only ones not up were the twins, but Rachael came crawling out by half past 7 and Lance eventually came at 8, though the food was cold by then.
“Oh! Mami, you really made a feast today!” Lance looked eager as he was about to start cutting into the food, pausing when his mother corrected him.
“Oh Mijo, I didn’t make breakfast today though. Keith did.” Lance’s mother interrupts without a beat, and Lance after pausing backtracks.
“Kogane,” he pauses at Keith’s middle name “can cook?” Lance looks incredulous and Keith nearly chokes on his pancake from laughter.
“Mijo! Be nice to Keith! He made a nice breakfast for the family, more than you’ve ever done!” She scolds her son, pulling on his ear as he tries to pull her off while his ear reddens. Keith is bellowing in laughter and so is Rachael. Breakfast is filled with laughter and Lance finally accepts that Keith can indeed cook.

Eventually, after a day filled with happiness, Keith has to return to the ghost house he was forced to call home. As Keith straddles the red bike he had driven into the garage the previous afternoon, he notices Lance standing oddly shy in the corner, and in his hands… and in his hands was the red plushie Keith had gotten him.
“Thanks for being here Keith.” He smiles.
“My pleasure.” Keith smiles back, and Lance pulls something from behind him, a gift bag.
“For you.” He nudges the bag, a pale blue with Keith written in black calligraphy with red accents.
“I can't -” Keith refuses but is cut off as Lance shoves it into his hands, stubborn as ever.
“Fine asshole, I'll talk to you later.” Keith huffed and Lance simply rolled his eyes and chuckled. He keeps the bag in the storage section underneath his seat and makes sure to secure it.
“See you, Keith, thanks for everything.” Lance smiles, and it is a bit shy and there's a look he can’t recognise.
“‘Course Lance. I’ll call you in the evening?” Keith asks as he reverses out of the garage and Lance nods. The skies are dimming and Keith knows that he can’t stay any longer before Krolia starts to get worried. He waves at Lance one last time before he turns and drives away the wind threading through his mullet as he sped through the streets. He quickly reached his apartment building and parked his bike in one of the delegated parking spots for motorbikes, inputting his floor, and reaching the front of his apartment when he stepped out the elevator doors. Krolia is sitting on the slightly inclined floor of their apartment with the door open behind her, her head in her hands and he feels a pang in his heart.
“I’m sorry I got home a little late,” Keith says and Krolia’s head whips up. She gets up and tugs him into a hug, and he would indulge her, just this once.
“It’s okay darling, I’m just glad you’re safe.” Krolia is carding her fingers through his hair as she tucked her face into his neck. He hesitated before hugging her back, and that night, he grew closer to Krolia, and his hatred for her dimmed quite a bit. Maybe Takashi was right, Krolia wasn’t that bad. Maybe, just maybe, she could be his mom soon.

Chapter Text

Keith was blown away. He had officially debuted as joining the Altea Record Company as a part of the Kogane Brothers. He went viral and his newly made public Instagram went viral quickly, then When he went to do his first show, he was overwhelmed just by how big the showing was, even before he got on stage. But he did, and he saw people be blown away by him, the love and awe. Then his gaze met Lance’s, who he hadn’t known had come, but he had, and he was wearing the most gorgeous outfit too. So as Keith sang his heart out to an old love poem Takashi had written for Adam before they got together that was adapted into a better love song, Keith felt like he genuinely meant the music and the lyrics. And if he danced hoping to impress a certain Cuban boy, then that was only for him to know. The thing he never expected though, was that his dancing would be deemed enough to warrant edits or anything. He knew his songs were decent, and everyone around him loved it with their own respective and constructive criticism, but he never once thought his dancing would warrant edits and whatnot. What was even more surprising was when he found a video of Lance dancing to one of his songs, sent by the blackmail holder, Pidge Holt. God, Lance was perfect, and he put his whole self into the dance, but the thing that interested Keith was that he did Keith’s part, not Takashi’s. Lance had been wearing a blue crop top and low-rise jeans and, Jesus, he looked great. Not only as the person who Keith loved but just from a dancing perspective, he had nailed the dance better than even Keith and Takashi. Lance’s dance was fluid and smooth like a river flowing.

Keith learned very quickly the way it felt to be a celebrity. He should have expected this, he had signed a contract with one of the biggest production companies in the world. He loved the beautiful pieces of fanwork that his fans made for him, oftentimes printing his favourite pieces of Art to paste in his room and often rewatching videos, listening to songs, and whatnot. Keith also did learn the terrible parts, he knew about it before but he of course didn’t know what it was like to live that life. Keith was treated differently in school very quickly, people like Lotor and James treated him like they always thought of him as a king. That wasn’t what he cared about though, because people started treating his friends worse.
“Hey, short stuff. Are you feeling happier now that you can leach off-” James is leaning against the locker next to Pidges as she puts stuff away.
“Fuck off Griffin.” Pidge slams her locker closed. That doesn’t stop James from following her and nearly trying to grab Pidge before Matt puts a hand on his shoulder.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Matt asked, and his aura for one of the first times was genuinely threatening. Matt, someone who was always positive and happy, and even when angry wasn’t very scary was genuinely so threatening even Pidge, who was scared by next to nothing and grew up with him, was scared of him. Keith who happened to walk upon the scene, even knowing Matt’s gaze wasn’t on him, froze. He also felt the same anger boil when he heard the story himself at lunch with the rest of his friends. His friends kept on telling stories, lunch after lunch, and his anger was boiling over. So he when he stepped into Lance and Hunk being cornered by Lotor and James, it boiled over. How dare they do this to his friends, and call them slurs. Making fun of Hunk’s weight and Lance’s skinniness as they hurt them.

Keith had opened the bathroom door, looking for his friends who had been in the bathroom for far too long. He had been worried, and that worry blended with anger as he processed the scene in front of him. Lance was on the ground, battered and bruised as Lotor loomed over him. In the stall next to him, Hunk’s head was being shoved into the toilet. Keith didn’t waste any time, he pulled James and Lotor off, throwing them to the other side of the room and standing defensively between them and the two boys on the ground. Nothing about this fight was fair for Keith, but he wasn’t a master fighter for no reason. If there was anything about these two, it was that for their height and reputation, Keith could easily overpower them, even together. So he did, he wasn’t stupid though. He let both get in a punch, ensuring that there was proof he didn’t start the fight and was defending his friends for later. Lotor and James didn’t punch too hard and with that they got cocky, and god would he wipe those smirks on them. He wasn’t even fighting for long before the guys were nearly worn out and the doors swung open. It was Matt followed by Pidge and Rachael. Matt immediately drags the guys, and Pidge goes with him. Keith knows that Pidge is only there to help their brother since she wouldn’t be able to support the others as much as they would fight the others. Rachael rushes in and both of them take one of the boys on their shoulders, Rachael taking her twin while Keith takes Hunk, and they both trudge to the nurse. When the nurse sees Lance though, concern doesn’t even begin to start on the nurse’s reaction. Hunk isn’t as much of a worry, apparently he only got his head stuffed, and while he had passed out, he had long gotten the air he needed and was resting on the bed. Lance on the other hand was in a very bad condition. He was sent to hospital and when the paramedics came, Rachael joined him, per Keith’s request. While it was hard for Keith, and he wanted to be with his friend, he also had to take care of Hunk and phone Lance’s parents and sister. He opened his phone and clicked the contact of the McClain house phone. He bit his nails as the phone rang until someone picked up.
“Hello?” Veronica’s voice asked. She must be working from home or on an off day. While she had her own apartment, when she had any day she could be at home, she would visit her family home.
“Hey Veronica, are your parents home?” Keith asked and cursed at his voice being nervous and serious, the family would raise eyebrows at that.
“Yeah, Mom is home and Dad will be soon.” She said, confusion in her voice, “Why? Did something happen? Is Lance hurt or something? You never call this phone.” Despite her voice not changing in tone, pitch, or volume, Keith knows she’s spiralling.
“Uhm, Lance got sent to hospital and-” Keith starts nervously before being interrupted
“WHAT?!” Veronica screeches and Keith has to move the phone away from his ear.
“Yea, uhm, he got really badly beaten up. Rachael’s with him and he’s going to the hospital closest to school. I don’t know his condition fully, but apparently, his injuries were really severe, not life-threatening but of really high concern.” Keith says, and he can hear Veronica’s sharp intake of breath, and he knows she’s crying. “Uhm, Hunk also got injured, not physically in the same way, but he is in the nurse’s office with me. I’ll join you later in the evening if I can, but currently, I’ll focus on that. Please call me with any updates if you can.” Keith asks lowly, and his heart thumps loudly in his ears as he waits for Veronica to respond. After a minute, she does.
“Thanks for telling us Keith, and I will. Stay safe and take care of the others, and take care of the bitch who did this to my brother for me. Also, bring Hunk and Pidge if you can, I know that Lance will need you a lot as soon as he can. Please be safe though, alright? If there’s anyone Lance can’t live with getting hurt, it’s you.” Keith’s heart stuttered at that, Lance would be more hurt by him getting hurt than Hunk or Pidge? “Alright, I got to go to the hospital, but thanks for letting us know Keith, I’ll give you updates as soon as I can.” He could hear the underlying anger and pain in her voice, but he knew Veronica was smiling at the moment. He smiled back and bid goodbye before Veronica finally hung up. He went to his next class with the teacher promising that once Hunk woke up, both he and Pidge would be called in. He had English and without Hunk and Lance it was lonely, but quickly he heard the ringing of his phone. He picked up to the dismay of his teacher but when he explained that it was the nurse the teacher reluctantly let him go.

He swung into the office and sitting up on the bed was Hunk, Pidge by his side. He immediately rushes to his friend's side, and he’s checking his friend frantically. Hunk is trying to say he’s okay but Keith wasn’t buying it.
“Hunk I saw James fucking stuffing your face in the toilet bowl and you were passed out. You could have died and I was scared you had water in your lungs. Thankfully you were breathing, but you are not okay! I’m not going to deal with you all be treated this way because of me, because of the way I’m popular now!” He saw the way Pidge and Hunk were stunned into silence, and he cupped his mouth. He bowed his head and apologized but when he heard Pidge start laughing, he looked up confused.
“I can’t believe that THAT is what you apologize for.” Pidge laughs and Keith can see on their and Hunk’s face that they weren’t mad or offended, just stunned.

When school ended, all three teenagers piled onto the seat of Keith’s bike and sped off to the hospital. While Hunk and Pidge waited anxiously with the rest of the McClain family, Keith was calling up their family members to keep his mind off things and to inform them. He paced nervously as he now talked to Hunk’s mom.
“Yes, Mrs. Garret, I do promise that Hunk is safe and taken care of. I checked with the nurse multiple times if we would need to check his condition and she said it was fine.” Keith confirms to the worried woman.
“Yes, I promise that I’m keeping a very close eye on Hunk and will take him home in the evening. I will also ensure nothing happens to him.”
“Yes, we aren’t alone, Pidge, Mr and Mrs. McClain, Veronica, and Rachael are here,” Keith confirms.
“Yes, I will update you on anything.”
“Alright, thank you, Mrs. Garret. Have a nice afternoon and I will see you when I drop Hunk off.” The call disconnected and Keith let out a sigh that practically rattled his ribcage. He scrolled and clicked on the contact of Coleen Holt.
“Hello? Coleen Holt speaking.” Pidge’s mother immediately picked up,
“Hi, Mrs. Holt, this is Keith.” Keith nervously stammers out.
“Ah, Keith! What’s up, did Katie do something at school? Are you guys studying at Lance’s house again?” Coleen asks, her voice light but still motherly.
“Uhm, Lance and Hunk got hurt at school and we are in the waiting room to see on Lance’s condition since he got hospitalised. I just wanted to inform you since both Hunk and Pi-Katie are understandably upset and I don’t want to burden them but I knew you would be worried.”
“Oh dear, is Lance okay? What about Hunk? Did someone do this? I can talk to the school for the McClains and Garrets, I know the principal. Are there any adults with you? How will you guys get home?” Coleen asks, worry spiking in her voice.
“We don’t know Lance’s condition yet as doctors are still examining his condition. Hunk is okay and we are supervising him. Someone did it but we will figure out how to deal with the situation after we can confirm that Lance has fully recovered. Lance’s parents and Veronica are here and I will be driving both Pidge and Hunk home, and if not then I’ll ask either my brother, Adam, or Matt to drive one of them home.” Keith answers, giving as little hesitation as he could thanks to rehearsing what he would say for these questions, which many had already been asked by Mrs. Garret.
“Okay, okay. Please be safe and take care of my daughter. Thank you, Keith.” Coleen thanked, her panic now audible turned into slight worry but also calm.
“Of course, I will tell you any updates if you wish. Have a good afternoon Mrs. Holt.” Keith bids his goodbye.
“Thank you dear, and yes updates would be nice. Have a good afternoon too dear.” Coleen bids hers and the call disconnects. He walks back into the room and falls into a seat next to Rachael.
“He’ll be okay.” He soothes her, grabbing her hands and cupping them in his. Rachael’s face was teary and he spread his arms in invitation, and she tucked herself into him. Keith had never been one for physical touch, but Lance had changed that. He still didn’t like it, but if it was for people he was close to then it was okay. Rachael had warmed her way as one of the people he considered a sister, and so he treated her as such. Rachael sobbed, her worry for her twin seeping through her veins. Keith held her, and he knew that the only reason why the adults in the room were keeping it cool was to support the kids. He needed to do the same, and he knew how to, he was used to it. Eventually, Keith excused him and Rachael, inviting Pidge and Hunk to join as he got her boba and ice cream. His shirt was covered in snot and tears so before going he quickly changed to a spare shirt he had and then bought her the goods. Pidge had joined them and Hunk chose to stay there, so as Keith treated both of them, he couldn’t help but try and ignore everything and just focus on the moment in front of him. That was short-lived though, as when they walked back through the doors of the hospital, reality came crashing down on him again. Keith was surprised when the tension in the air that had been so thick you could cut it with a knife had indeed been cut with a knife.
“He’s okay. Bruised and with broken bones, but he’s okay.” Veronica supplies, happy tears on her face and Keith felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He felt the girls on each side of him crush him into a hug. He hugged them back, and there was such relief. When the doctor came out again, he allowed only 4 people inside. He expected the McClains to rush forward, but instead he found that all of them ushered for him to go first.
“Don’t you guys want to go first? I can wait, you guys must be worried sick.” Keith said, concerned and wanting them to be able to have time with Lance after how worried they had been.
“Darling, so have you, you were the one who found him, who protected him, who took care of him. You deserve to be the first person to see him.” Lance’s mother comforts, and when the rest agree, he finally accepts. He walks into the room and he see’s Lance wrapped in bandages. He smiles and Keith walks quickly towards him.
“Hey Lance.” Keith says, sitting at the edge of the hospital bed.
“Hey Mullet.” Lance says, and his voice is weak. He looks weak, bright but weak. Keith cups Lance’s cheek, his heart breaking as he examines the injuries he could see from underneath the bandages which were mostly on Lance’s torso.
“Jesus, what did Lotor do to you?” Keith’s sadness is so audible that even he hears it.
“I’m sorry for worrying you.” Lance apologises, and Keith’s heart breaks more.
“You don’t have to apologise, I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help you.” Keith apologises, and he’s bowing his head to him. He hated that he hadn’t reached sooner, that he hadn’t questioned why Lotor had suddenly stopped, why had he not figured it ou-
“You couldn’t have known.” Lance says, and he just strums his fingers through Keith’s mullet, dark curls wrapping around long cinnamon brown finger, adorning them like rings or like a creeper plant. Someone walks but Keith doesn’t move from his position where his head is bowed into Lance’s lap, and he hears footsteps approach. The bed dips on either side and the sound of a chair being dragged can be heard.
“Mijo, ¿cómo estás cariño? ¿Te sientes mejor? ¿Necesito darle una paliza a un hijo de puta?” Lance’s mother asks, and her initial worry turns into anger.
“Mami!”
“Ninõ, tu madre tiene razón, ¿tenemos que darle una paliza al hijo de puta que te hizo esto? No dejaré que el hijo de puta que le hizo esto a mi ninõ se salga con la suya.” Lance’s dad pipes up from the other side of the bed, and his anger is evident.
“Mami, papá, entiendo que estéis preocupados, pero primero deberíamos preocuparnos de que Lance se recupere. Podemos vencer a ese imbécil más tarde. Además, creo que sé quién hizo esto.” Rachael pipes in, and she’s significantly calmer than the rest, even as both her parents seemingly reprimand her for something.
“Mami, papa, I get that you’re worried but I’m fine and I really don’t want to think about this all right now.” Lance says, and his parents take the cue to leave, and Rachael leaves after asking her own questions about how Lance is.
“What were they saying?” Keith finally asks and Lance laughs.
“My mom was asking if I was okay then asked if she needs to beat the son of a bitch who did this to me. Then dad piped in saying that she was right and that he wouldn’t let the motherfucker who did this to me get away with it. Rachael then helped deescalate the situation by saying that we should focus on my recovery before trying to deal with him, though she didn’t help when she said she knew who did it.” Lance explained, and Keith is mesmerised as he talks.
“Well, they are right, it’s unfortunate I didn’t get to beat them up.” Keith said annoyed.
“What do you mean?” Lance is confused.
“I wasn’t able to get you and Hunk out immediately, I had to fight them off until Matt came in and took them both with Pidge.” Keith explained and Lance’s eyes widened.
“Thank you.” Lance utters and he hugs Keith.
“Of course Lance, anything for you.” Keith replies honestly, and his own honesty scares him. Veronica, Hunk and Pidge enter, and they’re all fussing over him. When Keith returns home that night, he can breathe because he knows Lance is okay. He’ll be okay. They’ll be okay. Being a star isn’t easy, but his friends will always help him breathe, Lance will always help him breathe. He was going to deal with a bastard soon.

He ended up punching Lotor and James, and got them to bow in front of the McClain and Garret family respectively, apologising. He brushed his hands against each other up and down, his work was done and not with a single punishment. No one messed with Keith’s loved ones. No one messed with Keith’s best friends. Most importantly, no one messed with Keith’s Lance. Not on Keith’s watch.

Chapter Text

Today had felt like a fever dream. When Keith had woken up on Saturday morning, it was just breaking dawn. He had a hangout with Lance at a local diner, one that was relatively unknown but had good milkshakes and was their friend groups favourite diner. They met up and sat down. Lance looked beautiful, he wore a white sweater as it was mid-september and the wind was getting chillier with the autumn winds.
“Hey Lance, I like the sweater. Haven’t seen it before.” Keith compliments, and his friend smiles excitedly.
“I know right! It’s one we bought recently and I love it! It’s so chic and comfortable all in one!” He demonstrates with his arms and hands, and Keith admires the sight. Cute. They got into amble conversation, forgetting to check the menu. When the lady came, Lance panicked and felt bad.
“Can we get one chocolate and one strawberry milkshake, one smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich and a coleslaw sandwich please?” Keith recites perfectly, the lady nods, repeats the order and when Keith confirms she nods and leaves.
“Thanks.” Lance thanks him, and Keith just shrugs with a smile.
“Anytime.”
“You know I never get why you get the meatball manic every time.”
“It’s good!”
“It’s messy is what it is. At least mine is sophisticated.”
“Ah yes, Mr. Sophisticated McClain.”
“I’ll let you know that I’m very sophisticated!” The rest of lunch continued like that, the two bickering playfully.

After eating they went to go hang out in a near by park, finding a pretty but secluded area. After they had been sitting for a while in comfortable silence, Lance had suddenly turned to him and asked
“What if someone asked you out? How would you respond?”
“Well, it would depend on who it is. If it’s the person I love then I would say yes in an instant, if not then it's a definite no.” Keith says.
“What if I asked you out?” Lance asks now, shy and curious.
“Well you wouldn’t be able to because I would ask you out first.” Keith smirks.
“Not a chance, Mullet.” Lance smirks back.
“Are you quite sure McClain?” He grabs Lance by the chin, pulling him close until their lips were inches apart and Lance’s eyes could only look at his face. Lance’s adam's apple bobs in his throat. Keith moves closer, Lance’s breath tickles his face like his probably did for Lance. “Do you love me Lance?” Keith asks, and Lance’s gulp and red face tells him what he needs. He closes the gap, and Lance is pressing against him. It’s soft, gentle, and it bleeds with emotions. Lance tastes sweet like strawberries, hints of cream cheese and maybe a bit of salmon. When they break it, Keith knows what he needs to ask.
“Lance, will you be mine?” Keith asks, and Lance nods with tears in his eyes.

Keith is in his room with Lance. Lance is lying with his head in his lap as he lets brown hair wrap around his fingers. He can’t believe that he finally gets this, and he just wants to keep it to himself, just for a bit. He bends down and pecks Lance, and he can’t help but admire Lance’s dopey grin at him. He hears knocking and both sit up abruptly, Keith calling for Krolia to come in.
“Hey boys, I brought some snacks in case you wanted some.” She puts the tray down, but hesitates.
“Lance, are you staying for dinner?” Krolia asks and Lance nods.
“If it’s okay with you, then can I stay over for the night?” Lance asks and Krolia nods with a smile.
“Do you boys want me to get you anything more?” Krolia asks from the doorway.
“No thanks.” “No, thank you!” Keith and Lance say at the same time. Krolia shuts the door and the boys start laughing at the same time.
“God, I can’t believe you’re mine now.” Keith murmurs and is rewarded with Lance going red and covering his face with his hands. Keith is smiling trying to look at his boyfriend’s cute face, and they’re laughing. Keith peppers his boyfriend with kisses, even the slightly revealed skin of his stomach which makes Lance giggle.

When Keith woke up that morning, he smiled when he saw Lance cuddled into his arms. He admired the sight, kissing his forehead and snuggling closer.
“I love you.” He whispers into Lance’s hair, and lets himself drift back into sleep.

Keith wakes up again as fingers brush against his skin, his hair being moved away from his eyes.
“Good morning, mi amor.” Lance smiles as Keith groggily opens his eyes, and Keith can’t help but admire the sight. It was so domestic, and he got to have this now, he didn’t have to imagine it now. The light caressed Lance’s beautiful features, and if Keith thought Lance couldn’t get any prettier, well he was wrong.
“Good morning Daarin.” Keith says, using one of the japanese pet names he had learnt from Takashi.
“Daarin?” Lance asks with a smile and a raised eyebrow.
“Darling in japanese. Learnt it from Takashi.” Keith says as he sits up, combing a hand through his hair as he uses the other to hold himself up. The covers rolled down, and the cold air of the room danced on his chest and against the tip of the waistband of his sweatpants. He sits against the headboard, chatting idly with Lance for a bit before they went to get a start on the day. When Lance checks his phone as Keith goes to pick out clothes for himself, he curses.
“Shit.” Lance says and Keith looks concerned.
“What?”
“I forgot to tell my mom I was staying over and you didn’t call her either.”
“Shit, yea, I got distracted by you wearing my clothes.” Keith recalls, cursing at himself.
“Thankfully your mom told her I was here when she called her up, so they didn’t go to the police, but now I have thousands of messages.” Lance sighs as he reads his mom’s messages, and a weight lifts off of Keith.
“Well I’m guessing you’ll have to get back home soon?” Keith asks knowing that when Lance forgot to tell anyone he was staying over he would have to go home soon so he could be lectured about safety.
“Yup.” He grimaces, and Keith laughs brightly. The two get ready, Keith showering first and when Lance comes out he blushes red. Lance is wearing his clothes again, and every single time they look beautiful on him. He has one of Keith’s favourite shirts and is borrowing one of his sweatpants as well as the hoodie Keith wears the most.
“Sorry, I just remembered I took back the last clothes I left here plus I want to be able to wear my boyfriend’s hoodie whenever I want.” Keith feels his face burn up and he has to cover his mouth with one gloved hand while he looks away. “Awww, are you shy babe.” Lance teases, hugging Keith with the hoodie that is big for him despite his taller height because of Keith’s bulkier muscles. Lance looks cute as he looks up at Keith through his slightly hunched position, and Keith just goes and kisses his nose. Lance pouts and Keith rolls his eyes before kissing his lips.
“We should probably go to breakfast before my mom gets worried.” Keith says, and Lance nods, coming with him.
“Wait, you called her mom!” Lance looks brightly, and Keith notices.
“I guess, we’ve been getting closer, and while I don’t really get why she left, I get that she’s trying to make up for it.” Keith nods and after a bit they reach the kitchen.
“Oh boys! I was getting worried!” Krolia turns, then does a quick up and down and looks confused “Oh Lance, did you not have any of your clothes still here?”
“No ma’am. I borrowed Keith’s clothes since I didn’t have any, I hope you don’t mind.” Lance replies, and Krolia simply smiles.
“Not at all, as long as Keith is okay with it then so am I.” She nods, putting a plate of toast with avocado and tomato spread on it, just the way Lance likes it. Keith smiles as his boyfriends eyes shine like stars.
“Thank you so much!”
“Of course dear.” Breakfast goes well after that, and soon Keith has to drive Lance home. Lance bids farewell to Keith’s mom, thanking her for having him and Keith has to roll his eyes at his boyfriend’s formality despite the years of knowing Krolia. As the two went down and Lance waited as his boyfriend brought out the motorbike, climbing on after him and holding his waist as Keith started to drive, it felt the same but different in the same way. It felt natural, loving each other, a dance they’d done for years, and for Keith, he had loved Lance for years but in secret. So now, he was glad that he could finally have the relationship he dreamed of with Lance, and it was so much better now that it was real.

“Lance! Are you stupid, we were worried sick! Mom and Dad were so close to going to the police station!” Marco scolds his brother, pulling his brother by the ear after Keith parks in the driveway and Lance get off. Marco stomps his brother inside the house and Keith laughs, deciding to follow in and apologise. In the living room stand Lance’s parents, twin and Marco. They’re all scolding him and Lance is apologising profusely, his face burning red with embarrasment. Keith decides just this once he’ll save his boyfriend.
“I’m sorry, I told Lance I would call you but I forgot to. This is my fault and I’m sorry for worrying you.” Keith apologises and all eyes are on him. He could see the grateful look on Lance’s face and he winked at him with a smile.
“Ah, it’s okay darling. Though this one should have still should’ve confirmed. But thank you for apologising.” Lance’s dad thanks Keith, and Lance lets out an offended gasp as his dad wraps an arm around Keith.
“Wow, I feel like you love Keith more than me, you’re actual son!” Lance says offended and Keith just doubled over laughing. He gets a glare from Lance and he’s laughing more, and that earns him a shove. Lance’s dad has let go of him and he’s not ready for the impact and Lance tries to grab him but fails, leading to them both falling to the floor. Keith turned to try and stabilise himself on his forearms, and Lance put out his hands, holding himself up by Keith’s chest with his legs on either side as his knees helped to add support. It takes Keith a minute to process, seeing his lover turn red before he starts giggling.
“Enjoying yourself there, love?” He whispers just loud enough for only Lance to hear.
“Shut up.” Lance is redder now as he gets up, earning another and louder laugh from Keith this time. Once Lance is up, he offers a hand to Keith and pulls him up once Keith takes it. He sees the fond look of the people around him, and the slight knowing one of Mrs. McClain and Rachael, but he knows they'll be fine.
“Má, can Keith and I go hang in my room until dinner?” Lance asks, and Mrs. McClain lets out a sigh as she shakes her head.
“Haven’t you spent a whole day together already? But I suppose if Krolia is okay with it, I’m sure she must be worried by now.” Mrs. McClain puts a hand on her cheek, the other supporting her elbow as she responds. Keith nods and goes to another room while scrolling on his contacts to call his mom.
“Hey darling, what’s up?” Krolia answers immediately.
“Can I eat dinner at Lance’s?”
“Sure, but you have school tomorrow so you have to come back.”
“Alright, I’ll come back right after dinner.”
“Alright, have fun darling.”
The line disconnects and he returns to the living room.
“She’s okay with it.” Keith nods and Lance whoops, grabbing Keith’s hand and dragging him up the stairs to his room. Keith can hear a chorus of laughter and he can’t help but chime in, god he loved this man. Lance made him all warm and giggly, and he wanted to keep him forever. They flopped onto the bed, the door closing behind them and once again they were falling ontop of eachother. This time though, they weren't embarrassed if they let their true emotions shine. Keith’s peppering kisses across Lance’s face as his boyfriend laughs and squirms. He finally reaches Lance’s lips, admiring them for a moment before he kisses them. This kiss is more greedy, more demanding, and more indulging. Lance wraps his arms around Keith’s neck as Keith holds his waist. They’re in love, and they get to be stupid teenagers in love, and Keith is so so so fucking happy. He loves Lance McClain, and he gets to say that he’s his now.

“Imagine what people will say when they find out I’m dating the Keith Kogane.” Lance says suddenly and Keith chokes as he starts laughing while eating a sour-patch kid.
“I think they would be surprised that terrific Keith Kogane managed to pull someone so out of his league.” Keith replies with a smirk and Lance gets a pillow to whack Keith with.
“Shut up! You are way out of mine!” Lance says, and Keith refuses to accept that.
“I’m sorry, have you seen yourself?” Keith asks increduslously.
“Yes! Babe you literally are so hot that I’ve heard James talk about how he would smash you despite liking girls.” Lance says and Keith seriously chokes on that.
“Oh fuck no, James is disgusting.” Keith gags and Lance laughs.
“So you wouldn’t leave me for him or Lotor?” Lance asks with a giggle, knowing the answer very well.
“Oh fuck no! Kobito it’s James and Lotor!” Keith says, and Lance looks surprised by the petname.
“Kobito?”
“It’s like darling or lover in Japanese, it’s like a term of endearment.”
“Awwww, I love you.” Lance cooes, kissing Keith on his jaw as he attacks him in a hug. Keith laughs, and he feels warm. Lance’s body is warm, and for once he is, a least his heart is. He loves Lance, and he’s so so so happy.
“I love you more.” Keith looks fondly at his boyfriend.
It felt like a fever dream, but it was real, it was finally real.

Chapter Text

So yeah, it's been a hot minute since I updated this and that's for a lot of reasons. First, I started writing this in August 2023 when I was seeing my brother off to his university as a student reintroduction into Klance after not being the biggest fan of Voltron (I don't get it either but it'll explain any ooc aspects of this series not due to writing). When I started uploading chapters, it was in 2024 when I was halfway through my first year of high school. Then, my last update was a cram upload before my second which kicked me in the ass. To be honest, a lot has happened in the last academic year. First, it was super busy since I'm now going into DP (I follow the International Baccalaureate program), I've not been prioritising fanfic writing. That being said, I've realised how much of my passion lies in this writing, which has caused me to restructure how I tackle it.

All that preamble aside, what does that mean for the future of this fic? First, having written my first novel in years (which I hope will be my *new* debut novel), I've realised how much I want to adapt my writing process to focus on writing the stories first and uploading as I edit them to fit my end goal. And the break I took has made me realise how I can make Vlogs and Musicians be like how I actually wanted it to be like from the beginning, not how it is. So while some details have changed, others haven't. I started rewriting it and while that's going to take forever, with how it took me 7 months alone to write my first novel which is only 80k words and 41ish chapters + an epilogue and prologue, as well as the fact that I'm entering the most important and busy 2 years of my life. So I'm marking this as unfinished and make sure to follow the Vlogs and Musicians series to catch when that update comes.

Anyways, while I would normally apologise for this, since I want this story to reflect my capabilities as an author as well as be enjoyable for others, I won't. Please bear with me for however long it takes, especially since I'm doing it while balancing preparing to go into medicine !!

Anyways, take care everyone! Drink lots of water, make sure to prepare enough depending on the heat when you go out and thanks for keeping the VLD fandom alive!!