Archive of Our Own ^beta

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The paladins were visiting the Garrison. They had a mission that needed their help, but they were mainly visiting for the sake of nostalgia and reunion. Lance was introducing everyone to Allura, Hunk was mingling, and Shiro was actually working on the mission. But, Pidge seemed to be the only one that noticed Keith was nowhere to be found.

They were looking everywhere until finally they found Keith on the rooftop with none other than James Griffin, the man he hated. Pidge tried not to eavesdrop, but Keith having a calm and collected conversation with someone he despised was a once in a lifetime experience. They could pick up bits and pieces of what the two were talking about, but the last sentence Pidge heard before zoning out in shock stood out the most.

“I mean, if we’re dating we might actually be able to tolerate each other during the mission.” While it definitely wasn’t some romantic confession, the people involved were enough for Pidge to basically black out in shock because of the situation. Pidge managed to snap out of it before either of them realized they were there. While Pidge was functioning now they still had a look of shock on their face, which would be impossible to go unnoticed by anyone.

Low and behold, everyone noticed, from the team, to everyone in the Garrison, and even Keith and James themselves. No one brought it up until dinner and Coran saw Pidge “Pidge… are you alright?” Was all that was said for Pidge to start panicking “Yup! Every-everything’s fine.” The whole time their eyes kept drifting to Keith.

“...Why do you keep looking at me?” Keith mumbled with his mouth full of food. After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence Pidge finally confessed “I saw you and James on the rooftop…” They said with their voice barely above a whisper. To this everyone screamed “WHAT?” in unison, well obviously everyone except Allura and Coran.

“Like, just talking, no fighting, no arguing?” Lance said clearly in shock. “Who’s James, why didn’t I meet him?” Allura asked, confused why everyone was so in shock. Hunk was the only one who explained to Allura while everyone was busy freaking out “Oh, uhm… James is just some guy from the Garrison-” “Yeah, that Keith hates.” Lance cut off. “What were you talking to him about anyway?” He asked.

Keith hesitated to answer, but he knew no one would get over it until he did. “If this… thing with the Garrison goes through, James and I are gonna date until the mission is over.” After a few seconds of confusion he emphasized “Just so that we can actually tolerate each other, who knows how long the mission will last...” Lance seemed to be the one that was most confused by it.

“What,you can’t just get along like normal people? Why do you have to date to be able to be around each other without arguing?” Lance’s tone sounded just a little too personal to go unnoticed by Allura “Why do you care so much about who Keith dates? I mean- I know I’ve never met James but if they’re willing to date each other it can’t be that bad.” Her voice was laced with a hint of jealousy, but you definitely could see it on her face.

Shiro, ever so responsible, managed to cool down the situation before things got too heated. When everyone was about to go to sleep, Pidge and Hunk visited Keith’s room. “Hey~~” Hunk greeted “Can we talk to you, just for a bit?” He asked. “Sure.” Was all Keith answered “Don’t you- y’know, like Lance? Why are you suddenly dating someone else?” Pidge asked him.

“The dating thing was James’ idea, okay? He had the brilliant idea that if we’re too busy kissing we won’t have any room to hate eachother. I just- I agreed because, maybe if I date someone else for a bit, I’ll get over Lance.” Hunk and Pidge just looked at Keith for a bit after his answer. “Yeah but, you don’t know how long the mission will last…” What Hunk said was correct, but Keith was just too focused on getting over Lance to care.

“Well my logic was the longer I date James the more I’ll get over Lance. Oh, and I guess I could fall… in love with James too.” To this Pidge was just even more confused “BUT YOU HATE JAMES???” They yelled, they quickly put their hand over their mouth when they realized they said that a bit too loud.

“I know I do, I still kinda do… and honestly I’m kinda dreading the day we have to start dating, but you have to admit he is kinda…” “Annoying.” “Mean?” Pidge and Hunk said. “Hot.” Keith answered before covering his face in shame. “Okay Keith, don’t kill me, but is that the only reason you agreed to his idea?” Hunk asked, to this Keith just glared at him before slightly nodding his head yes.

“His stupid face and stupid body is probably the only reason I’ll be able to survive the first few weeks of him being my- my boyfriend.” Just the words “My boyfriend” being connected to James Griffin was enough for Keith to dread this mission. “Honestly the most important question is if dating will actually help you guys not hate each other.” Pidge mentioned.

“It will, we kinda have to or else Shiro will kill us for infighting.” Keith replied. “I just hope it lasts after the mission.” He added, but it wasn’t because of his relationship with James. It’s because of Lance, if him and James don’t work out, Keith knows he’ll just be back to yearning for Lance, knowing he’ll never be able to have him.

Why? Because he’s the exact opposite of Allura. Allura’s a loved princess, while Keith’s Galra, she’s nice to Lance, he’s not, it’s just everything. Keith will never be Allura, he’ll never be the one Lance loves. Keith is the antithesis of what Lance loves.

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3 days until the mission

Keith couldn’t sleep. All he could think about was his deal with James, would it actually help him get over Lance? Would he actually be able to tolerate James being all over him for who knows how long? The worst part is he knows this plan probably won’t work unless James somehow turns out to be the best boyfriend ever.

There were still 3 days until the mission would start, and the fact that they were staying at the Garrison until then didn’t help. Keith saw James multiple times, every single day. It doesn’t even seem like they’re about to be in a relationship, they very openly still seem like they despise each other.

2 days until the mission

Things were a little different today, whenever James did that smug smirky face at Keith he wouldn’t glare at him like he usually does, he definitely didn’t smile back but he did acknowledge him in a somewhat positive manner. Lance did not like this sudden change of relationship at all. He was a very firm disliker of the concept of relationships of convenience, Keith didn’t deserve to be dating someone he hates just for the sake of some mission.

Keith wasn’t too upset at this whole dating thing, I mean James’ face made up for it a lot. It was just how close they were getting to the start of the mission that was so daunting, he didn't know how to just transition from rivals to somewhat lovers, and he was worried how James would be in that transition.

1 day until the mission

“Oh God, it’s tomorrow.” was the sentence that kept repeating over and over in Keith’s head that day. James was being unnecessarily close, he kept sitting with Keith during mealtime, training with him, and looking at him for just a little too long to just be casual.

The members of the Garrison who would be accompanying the paladins on their spaceship were starting to move all the stuff they needed into their rooms. Keith had just come back from the showers to the sight of James setting up his things in his room. After a couple seconds of silence James finally spoke up “The only other couple moved into one room too, it’d make sense if we did the same.”

Honestly despite Keith’s annoyance at this situation all he could hear was that Allura and Lance were now sharing a room, and it was all he could care about. “So I have to deal with this everyday now?” Keith said, while he was mostly talking about James, part of him was talking about Allura and Lance too. “Hey, you’re the one who agreed to my plan.” Keith knew James was right, and he did agree, so he couldn’t be too mad that James was just actually taking the plan seriously.

“Just stay on the mattress then, the real bed is mine.” He warned James. In response James just playfully rolled his eyes at him. “I’m gonna sleep, don’t be too loud.” Keith said. There was still some hope in him that maybe dating James wouldn’t be the worst thing ever that he would have to experience, high risk high reward right?

0 days until the mission

The moment Keith woke up, he was filled with dread. He would actually have to start dating James today, and it’s a little too late to back out now even if he wanted to. Luckily, James already seemed to be outside since his mattress was empty. Keith didn’t want to get up, he didn’t want to go out of his room because then he might have to deal with the plan he himself agreed to.

After half an hour of just laying in bed staring at the ceiling, Keith finally got up. He was on his way to the showers when he ran into Lance “Hey Keith!” After a brief look at Keith’s face he realised something was wrong “Why do you look… extra upset today?” He asked him.

“Oh, well y’know, that thing with James starts today, so…” Keith’s refusal to say they were dating now made it clear to Lance that Keith wasn’t 100% okay with this plan. He didn’t realize but this feeling that he felt at the thought of Keith and James was very much jealousy, his face visibly dropped the moment Keith mentioned James’ name.

“Look, Keith. I don’t want to pry but are you absolutely sure-” “Hey, where are you going? I was looking for you everywhere earlier.” Lance did not like this at all, firstly James just cut him off, secondly Keith and James hated each other! But now they’re just acting all couple-y like nothing happened.

James’ arm was wrapped around Keith’s shoulder from the moment he walked in(and interrupted Lance), and Keith didn’t even try to take it off, he just let it rest there. This made Lance think, maybe Keith’s hesitance wasn’t that he didn’t want to date James, maybe he was just flustered that it was James? But why? No matter how attractive he is, Keith hated James to his core.

It just got more confusing for Lance as the day went on. James’ PDA with Keith was definitely a shock to everyone, especially to the paladins since Keith never once tried to stop him. James kept giving back hugs to Keith, as in the whole wrapping his arms around Keith’s neck, resting his head on his shoulder, sometimes even kissing his neck or cheek. It was just so confusing for anyone who knew Keith to watch.

Pidge, Hunk and Lance could never believe their eyes every time this happened. It wasn’t just the hugging thing either, Keith was somewhat entertaining it. Obviously he wasn’t doing the same back to James but Keith would kinda just… look at him, in this certain way every time James hugged him.

“Okay, how is that man not dead?” Lance said to the Pidge and Hunk. The three might’ve been spying on them while they were in the control room. “Shhh! They’re talking!” Pidge whispered to the boys. They missed what Keith said but they got enough context from James’ response to him.

“I’m already doing so much just for you to tolerate me and you still hate me?” James asked in a somewhat rhetorical tone. “Wow, you’re finally right about me for once.” Keith responded mockingly, he was still laser-focused on his work while talking with James, and having James trying to distract him.

At this point Lance, Hunk and Pidge were all in shock. Lance couldn’t stop looking, Hunk couldn’t believe that Keith of all people was tolerating this, and Pidge blacked out in shock again. The three have known Keith for years, and they have never once seen him like this.

Hunk and Pidge already knew why Keith agreed to this anyway, but they didn’t think Keith would try this hard to get over Lance. But Lance was just left in the dark, he didn’t see someone trying to get over him, he just saw his friend suddenly dating someone he was rivals with in school. Lance wouldn’t stop talking to Keith until he got some backstory. He needed to know what happened.

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Lance didn’t know why he cared so much about Keith and James. They’re not even in a serious relationship, it’s just for the mission. Most importantly, he already loves someone, he loves Allura, and he’s sure of that.

Lance kept reassuring himself that he loved Allura, until he remembered something. Allura very much knew he liked her for years, but she only reciprocated right after that whole fiasco with Lotor. Then a thought appeared in his head, was he just a rebound?

No, he shouldn’t think like that. Even if he was at the start, Allura definitely loves him truly now… right? He needed to talk to Pidge and Hunk right now. When he called them the two had thought someone broke in with how panicked Lance sounded.

“WHERE ARE THEY?” Pidge screamed at the top of their lungs while running around “What are you talking about?” “Did someone not break in or..?” Hunk asked Lance confused “What? No- I just, I need to talk to you two.” Lance explained before sitting both of them down on his bedroom floor.

“Why do you guys think Allura told me she liked me back?” Pidge and Hunk definitely weren’t expecting this coming from Lance, he loved Allura and he was never one to doubt her. “Well… because she liked you back. Look, Lance, are you okay? You’ve never questioned Allura’s love for you before.” Pidge said.

“Yeah, did something happen? As far as I can tell Allura loves you.” Hunk added. “I don’t know- I was kinda just thinking about her, and… well she only told me she liked me back right after she broke up with Lotor.” Hunk and Pidge just stayed silent at this, they didn’t really know how to comfort him about this, since he kinda had a point.

Even though Pidge didn’t really know what to say, they tried and it didn’t really come up how they expected. “Well… maybe, after the uhh- thing with Lotor, she needed someone to comfort her and you were the best option..?” Even Pidge didn’t sound confident in their answer.

Hunk quickly gave his opinion before Lance could think that was correct. “I think what Pidge is trying to say is that in those times where Allura needed love the most, you were there for and she finally realized how comforting you were for her.” Hunk’s answer was actually valid and could’ve been what Allura actually thought at the time, but Lance still felt like there was something else.

“Lance, even if you were a rebound then, she loves you now, and all of us can tell. You don’t have to worry about anything.” Pidge assured. Hunk had a realization and had to confirm if it was correct “Lance, you’ve been acting weird since Keith first mentioned he was gonna start dating Keith, could that be what’s this about?”

“Keith doesn’t have anything to do with this.” Lance answered a little too fast for the two to believe Keith actually wasn’t a reason he was acting like this. “Are you sure? You get a little upset every time you see James flirting with Keith-” “I’m not upset. It’s just weird, Keith has never liked physical touch, let alone PDA.” Lance’s tone came out sounding a bit mad.

“Why do you care so much that it’s different when it comes to James…” Pidge’s voice was barely louder than a whisper, fearing what they would cause if they asked Lance like it was something confirmed that he did. “Because it’s James! They hated each other, Keith hated James. Keith never even entertains people he hates, and now he’s just letting some guy he despises be all over him?”

“They did say they’re only dating just so that they’ll be able to tolerate each other throughout the mission, and it’s working. You have to admit that they stopped fighting when James started treating Keith like that.” Hunk explained. Lance knew that Hunk was right, but for some reason he just didn’t care. He only cared about Keith.

It was almost as if James was purposefully bothering Lance whenever he was watching him and Keith. When Lance looked their way during meetings, James almost made it a habit to stick a little closer to Keith, especially if they were having meetings on the couch. They were already sitting so close to each other on the couch, but when Lance looked at them James would pull Keith closer towards him.

Lance hated it, but he didn’t know why. Shiro even had to tell them off once because James would not stop with the PDA, and Keith never once tried to get him to stop. It bothered Lance a lot that they were oh so in love they had to be reminded that other people were around them.

What annoyed him even more was that James and Keith were just doing this for the mission, they were all over each other just for a mission. Most importantly, he was pretty sure Keith still hated James, so he was even more confused why he was just letting James do whatever he wanted with him.

It never seemed to occur to Lance that maybe Keith was okay with the PDA because of how James looks. I mean, no matter how much you hate someone, if they’re attractive, them basically being obsessed with you isn’t that bad.

To be fair, Lance thought of Keith well, he just doesn’t really think of Keith as someone superficial. But with how much Keith lets James do to him, Lance was finally starting to connect that maybe Keith is okay with it because of what James looks like. He had to admit, from a general view without any other feelings, James was a very attractive man, and the fact that he was the smartest in the Garrison just added to him.

Lance didn’t know why he kept thinking of the two of them, but he just couldn’t stop. It reminds him of when he first fell in love with Allura, which honestly just made it worse. Maybe, just maybe, it was possible to be in love with two people.

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Ever since the mission started, Keith and Lance weren’t talking as much. They weren’t purposely ignoring each other, but talking just got unreasonably awkward, especially when both their partners were present. 

If Allura and James were there, the tension would become so thick anyone in their vicinity could feel it. Most importantly, all the paladins and Garrison members ate dinner at the same table and at the same time. So, everyone on that ship had to experience the tension of all 4 of them in the same room.

But of course, Keith and Lance were the only ones who couldn’t notice the tension. Lance was busy looking at Keith and James, while Keith was trying hard not to look at Lance and Allura. James noticed and would tease Keith about anytime they were near Lance and Allura, but to Lance, it just looked like James was flirting with Keith.

On the other hand, Allura was concerned why Lance was so focused on the two of them. Before this mission Lance was so in love with Allura, his attention was always on her, like Allura was his whole world. But ever since the mission with the Garrison started he’s been more focused on Keith.

Part of Allura feared that maybe Lance liked Keith, and not her anymore. She didn’t want the two of them to break up, Allura knew they could still be friends, but it just wouldn’t be the same. They already know so much about each other, having to become friends again after all that felt daunting to her.

So, Allura tried hard for Lance to love her again. She made sure to be extra affectionate, be caring, listening to him, and at one point, she tried to act like Keith. But alas, it wasn’t working. No matter how hard she tried, Lance just cared so much about Keith.

Allura couldn’t take it anymore, she couldn’t keep holding on to a relationship that just wasn’t getting that same reciprocation. So she finally gave up, and broke up with Lance herself.

It happened during a relatively peaceful day. Everyone in the ship finally had a rest from the mission, especially Lance. He was just sitting in the control room, looking at the stars in front of him “Lance, can we talk?” Allura’s voice snapped him out of his focus. “Oh- sure. What’s wrong?” He was a bit worried, and you could definitely hear it in his voice.

Allura never really sounded serious unless it was about mission, but something about her body language made it seem like it was much different. “Lance, you’ve been acting… strange with me ever since this mission started.” “What do you mean-” “You won’t stop talking about Keith.”

There were a few seconds of uncomfortable silence that felt like an eternity. “...Why does that matter? Keith is my friend, and I’m just worried about his thing with James-” Allura couldn’t bear that sentence, she would hear it over and over again from Lance. “That’s what I’m talking about Lance. Ever Keith and James started dating you’ve become so concerned with their relationship.”

Lance couldn’t talk, he didn’t know how to respond to that. He didn’t think he was that focused on Keith and James. “Lance.” Allura called out “I’m breaking up with you,” Lance couldn’t believe anything he was hearing, but it just kept getting harder to understand as Allura went on “because at this point… I’m sure you’re in love with Keith.”

“What? No! I- I’m in love with you-” “Don’t lie to yourself Lance.” Allura’s voice was breaking from the tears “Okay, fine maybe I’m in love with him now, but I’ll get over him and then we can keep dating-” Lance saw the look on Allura’s face, and knew he couldn’t do anything about this anymore.

So, they broke up, and went back to being friends. But it was definitely a hard transition, especially after how they broke up in the first place. While they obviously didn’t hate each other, there was just this thin layer of tension in every conversation they had, that only the two of them seemed to notice.

Not only that, but on top of this Lance has to deal with the fact that he might be in love with Keith. What made it worse, the fact that his little deal with James wouldn’t end until the mission was over, and James was taking the deal way too seriously for what’s supposed to be a temporary relationship.

But just the fact that Lance was thinking about the two of them so much made him realize Allura was right. Maybe he is too concerned with Keith and James’ relationship, and his concern might’ve had just a hint of jealousy.

The more he was reflecting on, the more he realized he could just like Keith. But he didn’t feel like thinking about that when he’s supposed to be focused on the mission and saving the universe. Then again, James was supposed to be focused on the mission too, but he was obsessed with Keith.

It would only be fair to be obsessed with Keith too, right? At least that was what Lance thought. He felt like he was going insane, he’s never once thought like that, especially about Keith of all people. It only got worse the more he saw Keith on the ship.

At this point he was subconsciously just giving into his crush on Keith, despite the fact he had a “boyfriend”. He would follow Keith around like a puppy without even realizing it, and sometimes unintentionally interrupting him and James.

Keith very much appreciated Lance’s focus on him lately, to be fair he was the guy Keith actually liked. James on the other hand didn’t like it at all. Sure he didn’t actually like Keith, but he was still technically his boyfriend. Plus the more Lance hung around Keith, the more him and James were going back to their old dynamic.

The whole point James and Keith started “dating” was so that they could tolerate each other for the mission. James will admit he definitely went just a bit overboard at times but at least it was working, but now because of Lance everything was going back to the way it was, which was making the mission miserable.