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Chapter Text

  The knife missed, hitting the brick wall next to his face and causing a few bits of it to crumble to the cement. His chest heaved as he raised his leg and kicked the guy away a few feet. He felt the brick jab into his back, he knew it could potentially make him bleed but he had more pressing issues at the moment; such as the guy trying to beat the crap out of him right now. 

“Your aim sucks,” He said, yanking the knife out of the wall. 

The guy spat some blood out, “You have nothing on me, what are you going to do?” The guy taunted, lunging at him. Keith dodged it, moving to the side and using the knife to barely graze his arm; a warning cut.

He turned and flipped the knife in his hand; reverse grip with the blade in, like his mom had taught him. “Unlike you, I don’t miss,”  Keith said.

Harlow’s eyes glared through him, his chest rising and falling as anger seeped through his body, his chest rose and fell as he clenched his teeth. He clutched his arm, the blood staining his white shirt. Keith smirked at the sight of his eyes widening. 

Then he heard a car pull up behind him, the familiar sound of tires causing him to turn around. He heard Harlow run at the sight of the police car, the sound of his weight against the pebbled floor dissipating the further he went. 

Keith tossed the knife to the side and placed his hands behind his head, closing his eyes against the red and blue lights. 

“Again Kogane? Second time this week that you’re getting a disorderly conduct charge,” The officer said as she got out of the car. “You’re not a cop,” She said as she placed the cuffs onto Keith’s wrist one at a time.

“No one else was trying to get this guy,” He said, rolling his eyes as he was escorted to the back of the police car. It was common for him to end up in the back of a cop car on a Thursday night. 

“We don’t have enough evidence. Keep up this vigilante act and your brother will have both our heads.”

—

Walking into the station, Keith received a few waves and a few eye rolls. He did the usual stuff, another mugshot (his second of the month), taking his phone, house keys, and pocket knife, and checking his fingerprints. 

“Have anything else on you? I don’t feel like doing a full body search,” The officer said, placing her hands on her hips. 

He sat on a chair in an interrogation room, the cup of water in front of him swayed a little as he adjusted his still-cuffed hands on the table. He sat slumped, staring up at the light in the center of the room. It was hot in there, he could feel small droplets of sweat sticking the parts of his bangs to his forehead. 

“I carry the same three things,” He said, keeping his eyes fixed on the light. 

“If only all arrests were like you, maybe less frequent,” she chuckled a little, “I am going to grab your brother, pray to whatever god you believe in,” She said. 

He zoned out while staring at the light, fiddling with his snake bites with his teeth. 

Harlow . 

He had assaulted yet another girl, but because the evidence was severely lacking, they couldn’t take legal action. Seventh girl he had traumatized and Keith has been going after him since the fourth. Today, he had found him standing outside a park and Keith trailed him to that alley. He could’ve caught him if it weren’t for Lieutenant Palacios. 

He knew better than to run from the cops. His brother was a captain and would have his head on a pike if he ever even thought about running. 

“Keith.”

He glanced his head up and saw his brother standing there with his arms crossed, holding onto his backpack and looking down at him with disappointment. 

“Hi Shiro,” He greeted. He held his wrists up,  “Wanna take these off?” he asked. 

Shiro rolled his eyes as he dropped the backpack onto the table and began to unlock each wrist. “I have half the mind to leave you here for the night,” He muttered. 

“You wouldn’t.”

“I should.”

It was silent between them, all the way to their small two-bedroom apartment. It was at the top of the building, Keith trudging just a foot behind Shiro, who walked with the top part of his uniform over his shoulder. Keith was mentally preparing himself for the lecture he was going to receive the moment they walked into the door. 

“Shiro–” He began the moment the door closed and the shoes were off. 

“Go to your room.”

“But Shiro–”

“Don’t argue-”

“Listen to me-”

“Keith!” He shouted and Keith froze. Shiro took a deep breath, “Go to your room, I will talk to you in a few minutes,” He said and without another word, or even sound, Keith went to his room, carefully shutting the door behind him.

He dropped his backpack on the floor, staring down at the carpet as he stood there. The moment he closed his eyes, he simply flopped forward on his bed, not bothering to change or even adjust himself from the stiff position he was in. He felt the fluff of his black great pyrenees. 

“Hi Kosmo,” He said, his voice muffled into his pillow. The dog jumped onto the bed and rested his head on Keith’s leg. He tilted his head to the side and reached down, petting him a little. 

His room was dark- as per usual. He couldn’t see the band posters that he had half-hung on his walls, but he could feel the soft black sheets under his fingertips. He could smell the eucalyptus air freshener that Shiro had a small addiction to spraying around their apartment. 

He heard his door crack open– he didn’t bother moving– and he felt the weight of his bed shift as Shiro sat down next to him. 

“Keith, I’m sorry for snapping,” He said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I worry about you, you’re my brother– my little brother. If you were to get hurt doing something irresponsible–”

“It’s not irresponsible,” He said, his voice muffled in the mattress. 

“It is dangerous,” He corrected, “You’re seventeen Keith, you’re not supposed to be out crime fighting. If you got hurt, I would never forgive myself. Your parents would never forgive me,” 

“They’re dead, their forgiveness isn’t important and they wouldn’t blame you even if they were alive,” He muttered as he began sitting up. The light filtered in from the hallway, and he could see a cup of tea sitting on the counter, probably where Shiro was sitting. 

“Your mom’s rap sheet is nothing compared to yours. I think, if anything, she’d be impressed– not my point,” Shiro said. “You need to be careful and safe. This isn’t a debatable topic either, if I catch you, or if anyone catches you again, you’ll end up in juvie.”

“I know,” Keith said, looking to the side. “I’ll be more careful.”

“Thank you,” He said, standing up. He patted his shoulder, “I love you, kid, don’t forget about your Chemistry test tomorrow,” He said as he turned to leave. 

“Crap,” He mumbled. 

“You forgot?” Shiro questioned, quickly turning around. 

Keith smiled half-assed, “Maybe,” He said, slowly pulling out his chemistry textbook from under his bed. He has used it for every assignment since the semester started (about two months ago)  and decided to keep it there for easy access. 

“Do you understand the content?”

“Mostly– to be fair, Mr. Holt just skimmed over extensive and intensive properties, so I’ll just look at those.”

“It’s unlike Sam to just skim over things, I can give him a call–”

“No, thank you-” Keith said as he found the page, “I can figure it out on my own.” He said, slightly muttering to himself and using his finger to follow along the words. 

Shiro sighed, looking down at Keith with a small smile, “You always do. Come get me if you need anything.”

Keith nodded, waving him off as he skimmed over the definition and examples.

—

He was half-asleep walking into his first period, energy drink in one hand and phone in the other. He was skimming over his notifications as he sat at his desk– the one in the far back, with a slightly wobbly chair and scribbles and inappropriate engravings all over the desk. He also enjoyed it because the desks surrounding him were empty. They were partner desks and luckily for him, he only had one friend. 

“Did you sleep?”

“Did you ?” Keith asked as Pidge dropped her bag and plopped into the seat next to him, her energy drink was the same brand as his, Monster Energy , his was the Ultra Red while hers was the Ultra Paradise. They became friends over this. 

“Touche,” Pidge muttered. “Study?” She asked, placing her headphones back into their case. 

“Reviewed extensive and intensive properties, I do not understand the difference but I’ll still pass the test without it,” Keith said as he began to play Plants Vs. Zombies on his phone. 

“My dad told me that you got arrested again last night,” She said under her breath. Keith huffed as he continued to play his game. More students filtered into the classroom, sitting in their designated seats. “What did you do this time?”

“Saw Harlow at a park last night, trailed him to an alleyway, and…” He motioned to the bruise on his upper arm. It barely peeked through his shirt and if any of his teachers didn’t know his disciplinary record, they would think he’s being abused with the amount of bruises he shows up with.

“Did you get him?” She asked, pulling out her calculator. 

“All I got was another misdemeanor,” He muttered. “Shiro said if I get another I’ll be classified as a repeat offender and end up in juvie,” He said as he won that round and closed off his phone. 

He pulled out his calculator as well as she watched his movements carefully. “That would suck,” She said, adjusting her round glasses, he nodded in agreement. The bell rang, but students continued talking. 

“On a positive note,” She started and Keith glanced over at her with a curious look. “My dad said our next unit is heavily physics-based.”

“We’re starting the nuclear unit?” He asked as the corner of his lip quirked up. 

She nodded, “With half-lives and everything ,” She said. He tapped the tips of his fingers on his thighs. “Massive emo nerd,” She muttered. 

“ I’m the nerd? Have you met yourself?”

“I’m a genius, not a nerd.”

“Only nerds skip two entire grades.”

“Only nerds get excited about nuclear chemistry.”

“I hate you.”

“I hate you too,” She grinned as her father tapped on the board a few times to catch the students' attention. He was scruffy, a slight beard growing which he fiddled with. He glanced to the side and then to Keith and Pidge in the far back. His eyes moved to the paper in his hand. 

“Okay, so I don’t feel like giving a test today–” A few whispers erupted. “ So instead we will be doing makeup work because the majority of you are missing assignments from this unit,” Mr. Holt glanced at a few certain students, “The test is being moved to Monday so you all have the weekend to study, because most of you didn’t.” 

“Mr. Holt, I did,” A student said and Mr. Holt rolled his eyes. 

“I’m sure you did,” He muttered, flipping through the papers in his hand. “I’ll be grading, so feel free to come up and–” He was cut off by the door suddenly flying open. A tall guy walked in, his hands in the air, an even taller, stocky guy followed behind him, recording him with a phone. He strode toward the teacher with full confidence, the other guy following behind. 

He turned around with a large grin. “Hi, name’s Lance, that’s Hunk, we’re the transfers,” He said, holding his hand out for Mr. Holt, who stood in shock. 

Once the shock passed, Mr. Holt held his hand in front of the camera, “You’re not allowed to record on campus, please delete that footage,” He said. Hunk quickly put his phone away, shoving it into his pocket. “Let me check my roster, do you two have a schedule?” He asked, heading back to his desk. 

“The counselor said that she would send them to you,” Hunk said, as Lance looked around the classroom. He turned back and nodded. Keith glanced over at Pidge, who was intensely staring at them. 

“It seems to me that she did,” Mr. Holt glanced at the class, his glasses sitting at the tip of his nose, “Get to work, or else I’ll double the questions on the test,” He threatened. The students quickly began working on whatever was in front of them.

“That was obnoxious,” Pidge muttered as she pulled out her laptop. Keith nodded, skimming over his study guide. 

“To say the least,” He muttered, glancing up and seeing that Pidge was now playing Minecraft on her computer. 

“Oh actually, do you remember the significant figures division and multiplication rules?” She asked. “I can’t find my notes from that day and my dad refuses to give them to me,” She muttered, side-eyeing her dad who was now printing schedules. 

“Yeah, the answer should have the same amount of significant figures as the smallest number that is being divided…” He trailed off when he saw the two loud students begin to sit at the desk in front of them. 

“So the same thing as addition and subtraction?” She questioned, still focused on her game. “Damn Creepers,” She muttered as one blew up next to her. 

He fiddled with the corners of the paper. His eyes were looking down at it but he was not reading it, “No, for addition and subtraction, it’s the one with the smallest amount of decimal spaces,” He said. 

“Ah, that’s the only thing I was missing from my study guide,” She said, jotting down a few things on the paper next to her computer. 

“So, who are you guys?” The taller one turned around. What was his name again? Langley? Landon? Something like that. 

Keith glanced up and then looked back down. 

“Uh, hello?” He repeated. The other guy tapped his shoulder. 

“I don’t think they want to talk to you buddy,” He said. 

“Everyone wants to talk to me, Hunk. I’m Lance friggin’ McClain,” He said. Oh, his name is Lance. Right. He leaned in closer and looked at the paper Keith was. “That’s a lot of numbers and big words.”

Keith slid the paper closer to himself and backed up a bit. He glanced up and saw his eyes staring directly at him. Bright and blue and just below were freckles dancing along the sunkissed skin. 

“Can I help you?” He asked, backing up even more. 

“Yes, I’m looking for a number,” He said. Keith scrunched his brows and saw the other guy put his face in his hands. 

“A number? For what?”

“Your number. To talk to you.”

“That doesn’t make sense,” Keith mumbled, returning to his review. 

“Yes it does!” He said. Keith ignored him. “I think I know you,” He continued, resting his head on his palms. 

“No, you don’t.”

“What middle school did you go to?” 

Keith stayed quiet, willfully ignoring him. 

“Was it Garrison Middle? I went there before I moved.”

No response. Keith just continued looking over the differences between extensive and intensive. 

“I think you did, I would remember that haircut from anywhere.”

“I'm surprised you could think,” Keith muttered, earning a chuckle from Pidge. 

“Why were you recording?” Pidge asked, noticing they were unrelenting in their attempts to talk to them. 

“I’m famous,” Lance grinned, grinning from ear to ear.

“He’s about to reach five hundred thousand followers,” Hunk added. 

“And soon, it’ll be a million,” He said, crossing his arms. 

“Very cool,” Keith said, sarcasm dripping from his voice. 

Lance huffed, “Anyway, what’re you doing?” He asked, leaning over the desk once again. “What’s precipitate?” He asked. 

“You don’t know?” Keith said, not bothering to glance up. He bit his bottom lip, fidgeting with the snakebites once more. 

“No, of course I do!” He said, furrowing his brows, “It’s…” He glanced down at Keith’s paper, “It’s an aquatic solution,” He confidently said.

“You mean aqueous ?”

“No!” He said, glancing again at the paper. “I mean, yeah! That!” He said, raising his voice. Hunk face-palmed again.

“Pidge, stop playing Minecraft!” Mr. Holt said from his desk. Pidge immediately glanced to the side with a nervous smile, her hands floating above the keys. She closed out the tab and opened one with some random assignment. 

“How’d he know?” Hunk whispered. 

“He calls it his dad-lepathy,” Pidge grumbled.

“Dad-lepathy?” Hunk questioned. 

“Dad plus telepathy, hence dad-lepathy,” Pidge said. 

“He’s your dad?!” Lance asked. “I love DILFs,” He said, looking over at Mr. Holt. Pidge gagged, suddenly finding interest in her work. 

“He is also your teacher ,” Hunk pointed out. 

“I don’t see how that’s relevant,” Lance said, waving him off. “Anyway, is this for a test or something? Mr. Hot–”

“ Holt ,” Pidge corrected. 

“No, I meant what I said,” She rolled her eyes as Lance continued talking. “He mentioned a test, but we’re excused because we just joined,” He said, smiling wide.

“Lucky you,” Keith said sarcastically. His eyes skimmed over the same section, over and over again. He’ll get the differences down before Monday hopefully. 

“He did give us a study guide so we have the content for the midterms,” Hunk said, holding up the piece of paper that he had already started working on. 

“Yeah, but it’ll be no problem,” He swiped his hand through the air, “I’ll breeze through it, atoms and matter are the easiest by far,” He said. 

“Do you ever stop talking?” Keith asked, glaring up at him. 

Lance placed a hand on his chest, an offended look on his face. “No, I don’t.”

“He really doesn’t,” Hunk added. “He talks enough for both of us, honestly.”

Keith heard him continue talking but actively ignored it. He started thinking about Harlow again, what he could be doing right now. If he could devise a plan and get him arrested without getting arrested, he could avoid juvie and get justice for those girls.

He just needed an excuse to leave the apartment tonight. 

“Pidge, are you busy tonight?” He turned, interrupting whatever Lance was saying about his skin routine. 

Lance rested his cheek onto his pond and stared at Keith. “I’m not,” He said with a smirk. Keith ignored him once again. 

“No, why?” She asked. “I know Matt and ‘lura are going over,” She said, typing away at one of her English assignments. Passion Protect: Why are we exploring the seas when the skies exist? And Keith saw multiple pages written so far. “Do you wanna hangout?” She asked before he could say anything else.

“Yes,” Keith said in a certain tone, which he hoped Pidge understood. 

“Okay,” She said, dragging out the ‘Y’. “I’ll sneak in Matt’s car or something,” She said, giving him a side eye. 

“Can I come?” Lance asked. 

“No,” Keith said. 

“Great, I’ll be there at six.”

“You don’t know where I live– I don’t know you.”

“You can get to know me,” He smirked. 

“I’m fine.”

Lance looked him up and down, “Yes, you are.”

Keith rolled his eyes and began ignoring him once more. 

Chapter Text

Keith laid upside down, resting the backs of his calves on the back of the couch. His hands rested on his stomach as he spoke. Shiro sat next to him, he could hear him chewing on the Korean fried chicken they had ordered.

“And he just wouldn’t stop talking, Shiro, I think he spoke for the entire fifty-five minutes of class,” Keith groaned. 

Shiro poked him with the end of a chopstick. “Did you ignore him or?”

“That’s part of the problem! I tried to, but he just kept going, he would not stop fucking talking,” Keith sat up, grabbing his noodles off the coffee table. He got the same thing every single time. “I was about to hit him.”

“Well, don’t do that,” Shiro muttered. 

“Great wisdom,” Keith said, rolling his eyes. “Can’t you like, talk to Mr. Holt and ask him if he can just put him away from me?” 

“Oh, now you want me to call Sam?” 

“Can you cut the sarcasm?”

“Ironic coming from you.”

“Shiro, this is serious!” Keith complained, turning to face Shiro.

“I don’t think someone– What’s his name?”

“ Lance ,” He sneered before taking another bite of noodles.

“I don’t think Lance simply talking is that serious.”

“It is!”

“Why are we arguing?!” A third voice said, appearing from behind them. 

They both turned and saw three people, all taking their shoes off at the front door. The voice who spoke was Matt Holt, who was the older, more rugged version of his sister. Pidge plopped next to Keith, while Allura followed close behind the two, her white hair seemed to glow against her dark skin, and her pajamas were already on. 

“Pidge can vouch, he was very annoying, right Pidge?” Keith asked as he handed her the food they had ordered for them. Shiro handed off the other food too. 

“Huh? Who?” She questioned. 

“The guy from chem!” 

“Oh, I forgot about him.”

“Of course you did, now I sound insane,” Keith muttered, closing off his empty noodle container. Shiro patted his shoulder. 

“Anyway, what movie are we watching?” Allura asked, sitting down with her legs crossed. She swiftly tossed a blanket over her lap as Shiro handed her the remote.

They did this every Friday; Matt and Allura came over, sometimes accompanied by Pidge, and they got takeout and watched a movie. Sometimes it was board games, but most of the time they just ended up talking shit about coworkers. Some guy named Lotor seemed to really piss off Allura. 

“I say Star Wars: Return of the Jedi ,” Matt said, taking a large bite of food. 

“You say that every single time,” Shiro said. 

“Pidge agrees!” 

“Do not rope me into another one of these arguments,” She said, grabbing her food and wrapped a blanket around her shoulders. 

That reminded Keith of why he asked Pidge to come over in the first place. “Shiro, can Pidge and I go out?” He asked as Pidge was mid-bite. 

“Are you taking my car? To where? And ask Matt,” Shiro asked as sat back, watching as Allura flipped through different movies. 

“Yes, park, and Matt?” He answered, turning to Matt, whose mouth was filled with food. 

He took a large swallow, “Be back before ten and don’t die, mom will kill us if you die,” Matt answered. 

Pidge stood, taking her food with them. Keith slipped on a random red jacket and shoes within seconds, snatching the keys off the hook. Pidge slid her shoes on and followed behind Keith, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. 

“Stay safe and don’t get in trouble!” Shiro shouted as the door closed. 

They walked through the hallways, their footsteps making small thuds against the carpet. The cool air of the hallway a/c washed over them, Keith didn’t understand why it had to be so cold all the time. 

“So, where are we going?” Pidge asked before taking another bite.

Keith pulled a phone out of his pocket, it wasn’t his usual red one, but instead a plain black one that seemed brand new. “I got a burner from one of my sources, they put in the location where Harlow is suspected to be tonight,” He said. 

“Why exactly am I coming?” Pidge questioned as they entered the elevator. 

“I needed an excuse to leave the house and if you come with me, Shiro won’t think anything of it,” He explained. The doors shut and began their descend to the ground floor.

“So I just sit in the car while you go beat the crap out of a pedophile?” 

Keith nodded, looking through the burner, “Exactly.”

—

They pulled in front of the coordinates that were sent. Ironically, it was a park. Hey pulled his hood over his head, reaching over into the glove compartment and pulling out a black bandana. He wrapped it around his face, hiding everything but his eyes and bangs. 

“Emo ass, should I play MCR until you come back?” Pidge commented as she finished her food. Keith rolled his eyes. “Didn’t Shiro say that if you get caught again you’ll go to juvie?” She asked. 

“If I get caught, which I won’t,” he said, reaching under the seat and grabbing his knife. 

Her eyes widened a little, “You’re not gonna kill the guy, are you?” 

The knife glinted in the moonlight, his mother had given it to him when he was six, right before she disappeared. He didn’t know why and he was never going to know, but that didn’t bother him. He knows who he is. 

“Last night he had one, it’s only a precaution,” He said. “And maybe a motivator.”

Keith peered out the windshield, even in the darkness of late november nights, he could see a few younger teens on the playground, messing around. He noticed in the far back, someone sitting on a bench. He looked a little closer, leaning on the steering wheel, he recognized the scruff of a beard, the purple cap. 

“There he is,” Keith said, sliding out of the car. “Don’t open the door for anyone but me and don’t get out of the car, no matter what,” Keith said. Before Pidge could even respond, he closed the door and quietly made his way over to Harlow. 

He appeared behind Harlow, who had his phone out. He grabbed his knife out of the sheath, holding it against his neck. Harlow froze, reaching up and clutching Keith’s arm but his hand was steady. Keith could feel his sweaty palms though his gloves, it made him mentally recoil. 

“Who the hell are you?” Harlow grunted, his other hand holding his phone, his thumb hovering above the camera button still. 

“ Your living hell ,” Keith whispered. “Leave quietly, turn yourself in.”

His eyes widened, “You're that damn kid from last night, aren’t you?” He asked, rhetorically. “Cops didn’t keep your ass in there?” He asked. 

Keith pressed the knife a little harder, “I won’t ask again,” Keith said.

“I didn’t do anything to anyone .”

“All those girls you hurt, Olivia McAllen, 11, Krysten Olivar, 13, Julia Stevens, 12, Amani Bilal, 11, – I can continue,” Keith said, each name coming out of his mouth with respect as he squeezed the man’s shoulder with each syllable. Harlow sat silently, “Fine,  Erika Johnson, 12, Caridad McClain, 14-”

“You have no proof of anything,” Harlow interrupted. “I never went near those girls!”

“What? Does Caridad have something against you? Did you fuck up?” Keith questioned. He had been quiet until her name, she has to have some kind of evidence against him. 

“I’ll call the police,” He said, his voice hoarse but his grip tightening. 

“Unless it’s on yourself, I’m not going anywhere.”

By now, the kids had noticed them. A few backed far away out of fear. But one, one was staring directly at Keith, he was smaller than the rest, pale skin, narrow eyes and short black hair. He stood in front of the other kids, he had a stone look on his face, but Keith could see the fear in his eyes. 

“Go home!” Keith said loudly, “It’s not safe here,” He said. They all ran off, the smaller one gave Keith a nod before following behind them.

He didn’t realize his grip had loosened until Harlow tossed his arm back and stood quickly. Keith caught himself before he could fall backward. He was about to charge at Harlow when he saw that he held out a gun. It was aimed directly at Keith’s head. 

“Drop your knife or I shoot,” Harlow threatened. 

Keith noticed his hand shaking. Coward. “You won’t shoot me,” He saw a blur of green in the corner. “You’ve never even held that gun, I can see it, you’re shaking,” Keith taunted, his eyes piercing into him. 

“Wanna bet your life on that?” The guy was about to step closer when he screamed in pain, his body twitching multiple times until he fell to the floor. Keith kicked the gun away from his foot, grabbing it off the floor and slipping it into his pocket. Harlow groaned as he lay there. 

Behind him stood Pidge, who proudly held a large green taser in her hand. “You’re welcome,” She said. 

“I told you to stay in the car,” Keith said, crossing his arms with a grin. 

“Since when do I listen to you?” She said, “We gotta head out, I called the cops as soon as I saw his gun,” she said, hearing the sirens approaching. They ran to the car and booked it out the parking lot as fast as they could. 

“Get any information?” Pidge asked, “Other than what a gun looks like,” She added in a mutter as they parked outside the apartment. Keith slid the bandana off. 

“When I was threatening him, I listed off names– He was quiet until Caridad McClain, the sixth girl,” Keith said, biting his lip ring as he thought. “She has to know something, I just have to figure out a way to find her.”

Pidge turned and sat with her legs crossed on the leather seats. “Wait, what’s her last name?” She asked, pushing her glasses up. She started typing on her phone quickly. 

“McClain, all I know is their names. Shiro came back from his shift too soon when I was snooping. Almost got arrested for that–”

“Keith, you’re going to hate me.”

Keith took a deep breath, “Why?” He asked, taken aback slightly and narrowing his eyes. 

“The guy from chemistry has the same last name, Lance McClain,” Pidge said, turning her phone to Keith. 

On her phone was one of Lance’s social media pages, the largest one presumably, the words Lance “Loverboy” McClain were bolded on his profile. McClain . He hadn’t made any connection. Keith snatched her phone and skimmed over the profile, the most recent post was a photo of Lance with a younger girl, no older than fourteen. The two had some kind of skincare on. 

“ Cari finally agreed to do facemasks to prepare for her Quince ,” Keith read out. “Could it be another Caridad McClain?” He asked. 

“The name Caridad is not common, let alone with the last name McClain,” She said, snatching her phone back. Keith sat back, continuing to bite at his lip as he thought. He just needed to talk to her. He needed to figure out a way to catch this guy and get those girls the justice they deserved.

“Y’know it’s not your responsibility to catch this guy, right?” Pidge said, tilting her head. 

“No one else is, Pidge,” He said. “I know it’s not on me, but… I don’t know, I have to,” He trailed, looking out the window at the other cars that passed. He heard Pidge adjust her seating position. 

“It’s what your mom would’ve done,” She said, just loud enough for him to hear. “She’d be proud of you for doing this.”

Keith felt his chest tighten. Pidge never met his mom, but her legacy was talked about all the time in the Kogane-Shirogane home. There were a few photos of her with young Keith and his dad in his room. It’s where he wanted them. To remind him where he came from, and who he is. 

Right now, he needed that reminder. 

“She would’ve gotten something on him by now,” Keith said, slipping out of the car and beginning to walk inside. 

“Keith, don’t blame yourself for this,” Pidge said, quickly following him with the blanket wrapped around her shoulders still. 

“If I had caught him two weeks ago, these girls wouldn’t have been hurt,” He said, turning around. “It’s on me– I’m going to catch him, I will. I just need to talk to Caridad.”

“Don’t bite your piercing, you’re gonna fuck it up,” Pidge said, tapping his face. “We’ll figure something out, for now, let’s just get inside, this street is creepy at night,” She said, glancing around as a light flickered. 

Keith nodded, walking up to the apartment, glancing to his side a few times to ensure Pidge was still there. Before he opened the door, he was reminded of the heavyweight in his pocket. The gun . 

“Crap,” He mumbled. He turned to Pidge and glanced between his pocket and her bag. She shrugged. He quickly slipped it inside, “I’ll distract them, head to my room and I’ll take it out as soon as I’m in there,” He said under his breath. 

Keith opened the door, which was usually unlocked whenever he went out. And as usual, the movie was playing but no one was watching it. Pidge quickly shut the door, both slipping off their shoes. 

“And oh my god, he then asked, for the millionth time, for my number, how many times does a woman have to report a man to HR before they actually do something?!” Allura said. Matt gasped, placing his cup of tea on the coffee table. 

Shiro glanced back at the door, he was the first one to see them. “Hey Keith, how was the park?” He asked, a smile forming on his face. 

“It was good, nothing interesting, we just walked around for a bit,” He said as Pidge shuffled off to his room. “We’re probably just gonna play a board game or something.”

“You have a registered firearm right?” Matt asked, ignoring Pidge and Keith. 

“Matt, I cannot shoot a man because he’s gross,” Shiro said with a sigh. 

“Can’t you?” Allura asked. Shiro shook his head with a disappointed look. Keith took it as his escape. He quickly walked to his room, closing his door gently. 

Pidge was already laid on his bed, playing Minecraft on her phone again. Keith grabbed it out of her bag and quickly hid it under his bed, in some random box filled with old classwork he had yet to throw away. 

“Why is your room so cold?” Pidge asked. She still had the blanket from earlier and wrapped it around herself. 

“I’m not a weatherman,” Keith muttered, plopping onto his bed next to Pidge. 

“Thank god, the world might freeze if you were,” She said, earning another eye roll.

Keith glanced at the photo of his mom on the nightstand. It was an old one, when she was still on the police force. Her name tag read, K. Kogane , and next to her was Keith’s dad, S. Kogane. He had his mom’s eyes and messy hair, Shiro said he gets his personality from her too. 

He never met his father, but he knew the stories of the fearsome Capitan Steven Kogane, he could command anyone. Except his wife, of course. She never followed his orders. Shiro said it might’ve been what made them such a good couple but Keith didn’t understand. He assumed good couples listened and got along. But what would he know, he’s never dated anyone.

He came from them. Two strong soldiers. He could stop Harlow, get justice without death. That’s who he is. He’s Krolia and Steven’s son. He is a Kogane. 

“We’ll figure it out,” He repeated. Pidge glanced at him and nodded.

Chapter Text

It was Sunday morning when Pidge barged into his room. The sound of the door slamming woke him up. He sat up quickly, his hair was a mess, his blanket was hanging half off the bed and he held a knife out as his eyes were still closed and had yet to realize it was Pidge. 

“What the hell man?” Pidge said, backing up. She snapped a photo of him, “Wonderful blackmail,” She mumbled. He had plenty of half-asleep Pidge photos too, so he really couldn’t be upset. 

Keith groaned when he recognized the voice. He dropped the knife onto his blanket and rubbed his eyes open. “What time is it? Who let you in? Why are you here?” The questions flowed out of his sleepy brain faster than he realized. 

“Two past Eight, myself and I have a solution to our problem,” She said, sitting down at the foot of his bed with her laptop on one leg, and Kosmo resting his head on her thigh. Keith was groggy as he stood to fix his blanket as best he could. Pidge grabbed a random shirt off the floor and tossed it to him, “And put some clothes on, whore,” She said. 

“I’m not a whore, it was just hot,” He said, slipping the shirt on. “Who even gave you a key? How’d you get here? You don’t drive,” Keith pointed out, sitting down next to her. 

“Matt picked Shiro up to go somewhere, I don’t know where I didn’t ask, so I hitched a ride,” She said, “And stole his key, but what’s important here is that I have a plan,” She said. 

Keith, still mostly asleep, reached for his glass of water from near his bed, only to find it was empty. He pouted, searching his room for something else to drink as Pidge continued talking. His tired brain tuned out everything, it was fuzzy and he wanted to just go back to his comfy blankets and pillows. 

He glanced around until he saw a glimpse of red under his dresser. There . His Monster Energies . He forgot he kept a stash in his room from when Shiro tried to get him to stop drinking them. He stood and grabbed three. Two for himself and one for Pidge. He handed it off to Pidge, who was still talking. He cracked it open and the carbonation instantly made his eyes water a little, he drank about half of it in one go. 

“Man, are you good?” Pidge asked, turning to him. 

He blinked a few times, feeling the caffeine hit.  “What were you saying?”

Pidge crossed her arms, “Were you not listening?”

“I needed caffeine,” He said as he finished the first monster. He felt his chest hurting a little but he was still mostly asleep so he opened the second one. Maybe Shiro should have taken them away. 

Pidge opened hers, “ Anyway , you’re gay right?”

“Pidge,” Keith motioned to himself and then the glimpse of the pride flag that hung behind his door. “You did not just ask me that.”

“Oh I am so sorry I offended you, your royal emo gayness,” Pidge said, voice drenched in sarcasm. “So, I compiled a list of what we know and what we don’t know–”

“Of course you did, what does me being gay have to do with this?” 

“ You’re welcome , and I will get to that. So, here’s what we know, Harlow sucks, he did really shitty stuff to Caridad, we need to talk to Caridad because she might know something, and we know one of her family members.”

“Well, we don’t know him.”

“Exactly! So we have to know him to know his family. I think if we tell him about our plan, he would be in on it because y’know family is important. He is also queer– bisexual I think– so you can bond over that. All he posts about is family, he’ll help us–”

“No,” He said right away. Pidge only knows because he trusts her. He doesn’t know Lance, he’s just some random guy. 

“You can’t just deny my idea without even hearing me out,” She said.

“Pidge, he cannot know, no one else can know.”

“He might let us talk to her if we tell him. He was flirting with you, and he will listen if you talk to him,” She said, holding onto her laptop tightly. 

“I said no, we’re not telling him,” Keith said. “We’ll have to find a different way to talk to Caridad.”

“What are we gonna do? Just walk up to her and start asking questions about a traumatizing event?” 

“Well…”

Pidge groaned. “You’re so… ugh sometimes, do you know that?”

Keith sighed, “I do,” He said. 

She fully turned toward him, and she quickly grabbed the Monster from him, holding it far behind herself. “We tell him or you don’t get this back,” She said. Keith glanced over at his case; empty. He was not about to tackle her and risk spilling the drink all over his floor. 

“Pidge, we don’t know him!” He shouted. “And he’s annoying,” Keith added, rolling his eyes. 

“We don’t have to tell him everything. Just the important stuff. Like your brother is a cop and you're helping the investigation.” She took a sip of her monster and typed a few things in her laptop. 

“Pidge,” He groaned. 

“Keith,” She said, mocking his tone. 

He plopped backward onto his bed. He knew she was right, he knew the only way to do this was to get close with the family first. It would be insanely weird to just go up to her and start asking her questions. It will also be insanely weird to start talking to Lance about random things. He would have to give context. He hated context. 

“Fuck you,” he mumbled, reaching his hand out blindly for the Monster . 

“We’re going to tell him?” 

“Whatever, just give me it. Wanna study for the test together?” 

He could feel her smirk as she placed the drink into his hand. 

— 

The two had met up early outside of the class that Monday, the bright morning sun beamed down despite being mid-November. There was a night breeze which kept Keith from sweating his ass off. Thanks to Pidge walking him up earlier yesterday, Keith fell asleep earlier than usual and woke up at a decent hour. 

They would’ve been inside the classroom but Mr. Holt said he had an early staff meeting. Pidge swiftly typed on her phone, they had discussed what they would say, more so what Keith would say, and that Pidge would answer any follow-up questions. 

“Pidge, what if he’s not here today?” Keith said, biting at his piercings again. 

She didn’t glance up from her game, “He’s here,” She assured. “My sources say he is.”

Keith glanced down at her, “What sources do you have?” He asked. 

“Irrelevant.” 

“Pidge,” Keith sighed, earning a chuckle. 

He was busy staring at the floor when he felt the presence of someone next to him. He turned and saw Lance, leaning against the wall with a smirk, resting his elbow against the wall and mere inches away from Keith. 

For a moment he forgot the plan, “Can I help you?” He asked, sneering at Lance. He could see a glimpse of his friend behind him, Hunk, who was also on his phone. 

“Yeah, I’m looking for our chemistry?”

“The class is right behind us, are you blind?” Keith asked genuinely, pointing to the wall behind him. 

Pidge held back a laugh before tapping Keith aggressively. Right. Questions. 

“I have a question,” Keith said, standing with his arms crossed. 

Lance smirked, “Of course, how can I help you handsome?” He asked, leaning in closer. 

Keith took a step back, “Don’t call me that,” he said, scrunching his nose. “Are you related to Caridad McClain?” He asked, Pidge standing next to him, her phone was now put away. The moment Lance heard that name he immediately stood up straight. 

“She’s my niece, how do you know her?” He asked, suspicion falling over his face. 

Keith ignored his question, “How long have you lived here?” He asked. 

“I moved here two weeks ago, what do you know about Cari?” 

Keith glanced at Pidge. There was something silent shared between them, an agreement. They were going to tell him. 

“Do you know of a man named Garrett Harlow?” Keith asked, watching Lance’s face turn from suspicion to an angry confusion. His brows furrowed but his eyes were trained on Keiths. 

“How do you know that name?” Lance asked, taking a step back with his arms crossed. 

Keith turned to Pidge again, he could feel his chest tightening. “My brother is a cop, he told me about the case.” Lance listened carefully to each word, “I’ve known about Harlow since the fourth case, I've been trying to catch him for two weeks because the cops say there’s not enough to prosecute–”

“Hold on, how do you know about my niece?” Lance interjected. “She’s a minor, her name is redacted–”

“Listen for two minutes!” Keith said loudly. A few people glanced over before minding their business. Teenagers . Lance shut his mouth. Keith lowered his tone, “I was going through my brother’s notes and files when I found the names of the girls. I saw your niece's name appear last week. I’ve been trailing him–”

“A lot more than just trailing , Keith,” Pidge corrected. 

“It’s not important what I’ve done to him, it’s what I can do to him. I have a feeling Caridad might know something more if I could just talk to her–” 

“No.” 

What. 

“What do you mean no?” Keith asked. 

“You can’t ‘just talk’ to her,” Lance said. “She’s a kid, she went through something traumatizing and we’re barely hiding it from the internet, she does not need to be questioned anymore,” he swallowed. 

Keith stared. “Do you know how many girls Harlow has traumatized the same way he did your niece? Six other girls. His actions are relentless, so many more girls will be traumatized if I can’t stop him.”

Lance stepped forward, “Leave it to the cops then, what are you some Avenger?” Lance said. 

“The cops aren't going to do shit. My brother told me if no one comes forward with evidence or a solid witness statement that Harlow’s cases go to the backburner. Do you understand what that means?” Keith stepped closer as well, “It means he’s free to do whatever the hell he wants because he’ll think he can get away with it.” 

Pidge placed a hand on Keith’s arm, attempting to tug him backward. He yanked his arm back.

“That’s not my problem, my niece is safe, that’s all that matters to me.”

“Lance,” Hunk tried to stop him, placing a hand on his shoulder. 

“There are thousands of nieces out there and Harlow will not stop until he is caught.”

“Keith–” Pidge tried to interject. 

“And what Mullet? You’re going to catch him? Your ass is going to get killed,” Lance jabbed his chest. 

“I’ve almost caught him twice,” Keith said, “More times than the damn cops.”

Pidge fully pulled Keith back. “Calm the fuck down, arguing isn't doing anyone any good,” She said. Keith’s lip twitched and he felt his chest burning again, the empty feeling deep in his stomach. 

“We know how much you care about your niece, she’s all over your social media,” Pidge said. “I know it’s not the same, but I have a big brother, his name is Matt and I know that if this happened to me, he would do anything to catch a guy like this,” She moved and stood in front of Keith, being forced to physically look up at Lance. “All we ask is that you at least ask her, if she says no, then we back off.”

Keith glanced at Pidge with wide eyes, who could feel it in her skull. She kicked his shin. Lance thought for a moment before glancing at Hunk. 

“Whatever you say, dude, I’m always on your side,” He said. 

Lance bit his lip. “I’ll talk to her. No promises,” he said just as the first bell rang. They saw Mr. Holt speed-walking past them to open the door. 

“Sorry, sorry, the meeting ran late,” he said, unlocking the door and allowing the first four inside. Pidge nudged Keith as they walked in. They reveled in the A/C for a moment, enjoying the cool air wash over them. 

Keith assumed they’d sit somewhere else after that but they sat in the same seats as last time. Keith ignored it, pulling out a pencil, pen,  and calculator for the test, he quickly organized it on his desk. Resting his hands on his thighs, he glanced over as Pidge did the same with her items, but instead just left them on the desk. 

Lance turned around after his backpack slunched onto the floor. Keith was ready for him to start arguing again. But he didn’t, instead, that smirk returned to his face. 

“So… you looked at my social media, did you follow?” he asked, looking directly at Keith. 

“I don’t have social media, it was hers,” Keith said, pointing toward her. 

“Really?” Lance asked, slightly taken aback. “You seem like the emos would love you,” 

“What does that mean?”

“See, you are emo, Keith,” Pidge said, messing around with her calculator. “I’ve been telling him this for years,” she said. Keith sighed and put his head down. 

“Did you like what you saw?” Lance asked, that stupid smirk still plastered on his face. Keith rolled his eyes. He’s surprised they’re still attached. “That’s not a no,” He said, raising his eyebrows. 

“It might be, Lance,” Hunk added, actually working on the review sheet. 

Lance waved him off, “No, but seriously, can I get your number?” He asked, the grin slightly faltering. “Just in case my sister wants to call instead or something,” He said. 

“Oh,” Keith said. He glanced over at Pidge, who was far too focused on fighting a zombie in Minecraft to even fathom paying attention to their conversation. “Sure,” Keith said, he held his hand out for Lance’s phone but was met with the palm of his hand instead. 

Keith gave a weird look, “Oh I got my phone taken away, I'm not allowed to bring it to school for a month,” Lance gave a sheepish smile. Keith raised a brow but brushed it off. It wasn’t his family dynamic. Instead, he scribbled down the numbers on his palm with his pen. 

“Yeah, it’s super embarrassing, he has to use my phone to call his big sister when it’s time to pick him up–” Lance nudged Hunk, signifying him to stop talking.  “Ow,” hunk pouted. Keith smiled a bit. 

“Oh my god, he smiles,” Lance whispered. Usually when people said that, Keith stopped smiling immediately, but for some reason, this time, he didn’t. He just let out a huff of air. 

—

Keith slipped his shoes off when he walked into the apartment. His habit. He hadn’t seen Shiro last night or this morning and it was usual that he had late shifts and early mornings. He dropped his bag on the couch and turned to go to the kitchen. 

What wasn’t usual was some random guy standing in their kitchen, shirtless and making scrambled eggs at three thirty in the afternoon. He was tan and toned, with sweatpants resting at his hips. Keith grabbed a knife out of the rack that sat on the island.

“Hey, babe–” The man cut himself when he turned around and saw Keith standing there, holding the knife out. Now Keith saw the glasses that sat on his face. His eyes squinted at Keith. 

“Who are you? How’d you get in here?!” He shouted. Today had already been stressful and he did not want to deal with any more things today. 

“Oh, you’re the little brother,” The guy said, unphased by the knife inches away from him. “Want some eggs?” He asked, holding out the pan. 

“Get out of my apartment! My brother is a cop and I know how to use this,” Keith threatened. He wasn’t scared, he knew how to hold his own but this guy was tall and looked strong. 

Keith saw Shiro appear out of the corner of his eye, but instead of panicking, Shiro just became nervous. “Oh crap, Keith I thought you were going to Pidge’s,” He said. 

“N-no. I canceled. Who is this?” Keith asked, his grip on the knife loosening. 

Shiro placed his hand on top of Keith’s, slowly lowering the knife, “No one you need this for.” Shiro placed the knife back and walked over to the man. 

“Keith, this is my boyfriend, Adam,” Shiro said, slowly. 

Keith stared blankly. Yeah, he knew Shiro was gay, but he had a whole-ass boyfriend. “You have a boyfriend?” Keith asked. “Why didn’t you tell me?” his questions didn’t have any anger within them but Adam seemed to recoil a little at the monotone voice Keith had. 

“It became official yesterday, but we’ve been seeing each other for a few weeks and–” Shiro was cut off by Keith walking past to grab a plate from the cupboard. He was hungry and there was food, “I was going to tell you but I didn’t know how you would react to something like this,” Shiro said slowly. “And I know you’re seventeen but I do care about your opinion because you live in this house–” 

Keith abruptly turned to Adam, “Did you season the eggs with more than salt?” He asked, pointing toward the eggs. He grabbed a specific fork, the smaller one that Shiro and he had designated as his fork. 

“Of course.” Adam motioned toward the variety of spices on the counter, Keith placed a few spoonfuls on his plate while Shiro and Adam watched in silence and confusion. He took a large bite and nodded. 

“If he cooks like this all the time, we can keep him,” Keith said, taking his plate of eggs to the small dining table. Shiro and Adam chuckled. Shiro let out a sigh and rested his forehead on Adam’s. 

“Any requests?” Adam asked. 

“Can you make Korean barbecue? Takeout gets expensive,” Another bite and another chuckle from Shiro, who began getting eggs for himself and Adam. 

“I can learn,” Adam said, placing his hands on his hips with confidence. 

They all sat at the dining table, Shiro had told Adam to go be decent and put a shirt on. 

“So, it wasn’t a late shift last night,” Keith noted, enjoying his eggs. 

Shiro glanced to the side, “No, it wasn’t. Most of the time I told you that I was meeting up with him.” Shiro tapped the table a little. “Matt and Allura know about him and he’s approved by both of them too. But it was your opinion that matter the most–”

“Shiro, as long as he’s nice and respectful, I really don’t care who you date.”  Another bite. “It doesn’t bother me, I just want to know about this stuff so I don’t almost gut your boyfriend. I’m also serious about the food thing,” he finished off his plate. 

Shiro let out an airy laugh, “I didn’t realize you were going to be home so soon, he was going to be gone before you came home.” Adam walked back in, wearing a Star Wars shirt, and Keith looked up at him from his chair. 

“You left your sweatshirt in my brother’s car. I knew it was too big to be Matt’s and too small to be his,” Keith said, standing to take his plate. He stood in front of him and glared at him. “Also, if you hurt my brother, no one will find your body,” He said under his breath. Adam just smiled, not menacingly but in understanding. 

“What was that Keith?” Shiro asked, glancing over at them. 

“Nothing, just heading to my room,” Keith said, narrowing his eyes at him one more time before going to his room. 

He passed Kosmo, who was curled up on the couch, one of his toys sitting right under his left paw. A little stuffed whale he had since he  was a puppy, it was the only toy he  hadn’t destroyed. That was his baby. 

Once he got to his room and shut the door, he fell face forward on his bed. One of his favorite ways of getting out pent-up emotions from the day. His other was working out, he glanced at his punching bag in the corner and a few weights he had saved up for. 

He let out a large sigh, deciding to stay on his bed for a little while longer before getting up and being a person again. It clicked in his brain just then. Why did he have to give his phone number today instead of tomorrow? 

Just then he heard his phone ring. He gave Lance his phone number. He could feel it in his gut that it was Lance. And low and behold, when he pulled his phone out of his pocket, it was an unknown phone number. He could just let it ring. He highly debated that. On the other hand, it could buy Caridad and Lance with information. 

He sighed, pressing the little green button. “Hello, this is Keith Kogane, who’s this?” he answered. 

“Hey,” The Y’s were dragged out. It was Lance. He knew it. 

“Did Caridad agree to it?” He asked, flipping over onto his back. He brushed his bangs out of the way and stared at his ceiling fan. 

“Aw you recognized my voice, and I haven’t asked her yet, Lisa is taking her on a spa day because her Quince is in two weeks and she wants to treat her,” Lance said, his words seemed to fly out faster over the phone. It’s so sweet actually, Lisa is the best mom Cari could ever–”

“Then why’d you call?” Keith asked, holding back a groan. 

He could feel the pout, “Well I am bored and Hunk is busy, and I thought we could talk– ay Nica, cállate estoy en el teléfono!” Lance shouted and Keith quickly moved the phone away from his ear. “Sorry, my sister is blasting music and I can hear it from her room.”

“How many siblings do you have?” Keith asked, his eyebrows furrowing. He didn’t mean it as a genuine question. 

“I have an older sister and an older brother and then a younger sister and younger brother, and two nieces and one nephew, and a crap ton of aunts, uncles, and cousins, but most of them still live in Cuba so I don’t see them much,” Lance said quickly. Keith did not follow along. 

“So a lot?” 

“Only four– oh hold up, my sister is–”

“ Flaco ! Quién está al teléfono que es tan importante!?” A voice said and Keith almost hung up from how loud it was. 

“No one! Just some guy from school,” he said. 

“No way you already made another friend. Is it the emo one you were talking about all weekend?”

Keith sighed, he started playing Plants vs. Zombies as they spoke. 

“I was not !” 

“So it is him. Good luck emo boy!” Keith laughed a little at that. 

“Shut up, Mullet.”

“ You called me,” Keith pointed out. 

“I don’t see how who called who is important here.”

“You told me to shut up after calling me, I think it’s important.”

“Technicalities, technicalities,” He mumbled. “Anyway, how has your day been?” He asked. 

“Until about two minutes ago, pretty okay.”

“What happened two min– oh okay, guyliner.”

“You have a lot of nicknames for someone you’ve known since Friday.”

“Well, y’know–” he was cut off when Keith solved his phone under his pillow. Shiro walked in and stared confused at Keith who now just stared at his ceiling. 

“Uh, are you okay? I heard you talking to someone?” He asked, glancing around. 

“It was myself, I was talking to myself” He answered too quickly. He heard Lance laugh from under the pillow. He quickly shoved his head against the pillow a little harder, trying to muffle it. 

Shiro raised an eyebrow, “Uh huh. Well, I was just going to tell you that I’m dropping Adam off so you’re home alone and don’t forget to empty the dishwasher before you go to bed. Do you want me to lock the front door?” 

Keith nodded, “Yeah.”

“Have fun talking to yourself,” Shiro said, closing the door with a small grin. 

“Who’s that? He sounds hot,” Lance said the moment the phone was out from under the pillow. 

“Ew, that’s my brother. He has a boyfriend,” Keith pointed out. 

“Boo,” Lance said. 

“I’m going to hang up on you.”

“You wouldn’t.”

Beep. 

Keith shoved his phone back in his pocket and stood, remembering to empty the dishwasher. He immediately felt his phone vibrating once again. Same number. He sighed, answering it as he walked. 

“You weren’t supposed to actually hang up.” And once again, he could hear the pout.

“Well, I did,” He mumbled, placing it on the counter as he began the awful sensory journey that was touching damp ceramic, metal, and glass. “Don’t you have other things to do?” He asked as he emptied the top row first. 

“Well, Racheal is editing my latest video and once she’s done I was gonna post it…” He continued talking and Keith mostly tuned him out. He was a little too focused on making sure each cup was lined up with the others on the shelf. By the time he finished the top row, Lance was done explaining his plans for the day, which summed up to nothing. 

“So, you’re home alone?” Lance asked in a certain tone.

“That’s a creepy question to ask,” Keith said, grabbing each plate and placing them perfectly lined up on the shelf. 

Lance sighed, “You’re a little dense, aren’t you?” 

Keith ignored him and continued doing his chores.  He was hoping to be done before Shiro came home so he could simply just sleep without any more talking. God, he hated talking. 

“How are dishes going?” He asked. 

“They’d be going better if you weren’t talking,” He knew it was mean, he was tired and drained from all the things today and just needed to sleep. “Sorry, sorry, I’m just tired,” He mumbled, counting utensils to put away

“You’re good man,” Lance said but Keith could hear it in his voice. “I should probably go anyway, I think Rach is done with the video,” He said. Keith squeezed his eyes and furrowed his brows. How stupid was he . Why does he say shit without thinking.

“Okay, sorry, again about that,” He said, Lance said nothing as he hung up, and for a moment Keith expected him to call back. 

He realized as he put the utensils away that they had ten forks, ten butter knives, but only nine spoons and so he made a mental plan to ask Shiro to buy another so they were even. Eventually, he finished, just as Shiro came back through the door and he was trudging back to his room. 

“Hey, I never asked, how was the test?” He asked as he slipped his shoes off, leaning against the wall as he did so. Keith gave a simple thumbs up as he continued to his room. “What’s up?” Shiro asked, placing a hand on his shoulder, stopping his movements. 

He pressed his lips together. “Tired,” He said, just barely audibly. 

“Get some sleep, kid, let me know if you need anything,” Shiro squeezed his shoulder before letting it fall back. 

“Oh, a spoon,” He said, hoping Shiro understood. He did not and raised his eyebrow. “Uneven number of utensils,” He attempted to elaborate but his brain was not connecting to his mouth to form words. 

“Ah, well, I’ll see what I can do on Wednesday,” Designated shopping day. 

He had never been so glad to see his bed and fall asleep on it, the warmth and comfort of the blankets and pillows compared to no other. He slipped off his shirt and fell face forward, not bothering to check his phone, which had buzzed a handful of times. 

Chapter Text

Keith had his head on the table, resting it on one arm while the other held his Monster loosely. His eyes were closed and he was fighting the urge to fall asleep. Pidge sat quietly next to him, playing Minecraft before the first bell rang. He had slept fully through the night, but when he woke up he was still exhausted. 

He should’ve checked his phone last night as well. When he woke up and checked another report of Harlow was sent to him. He had Pidge hack the Altea Police Department and rig it to send him new cases where the suspect is Harlow. Another girl last night, Daphne Meyer. She was safe now, which is what really mattered. Pidge had berated him all morning about how it wasn’t his fault and how he couldn’t have prevented it, but that didn’t subdue the mean thoughts.

Shiro had lectured him that morning about it as well. He somehow found out about Friday night at the park and now Keith is not allowed to go out with Pidge or by himself for a month. They had an argument about it and it led to the two weeks evolving into two months and then Keith realized arguing with Shiro was futile as it would only add more months. He was barely able to negotiate walking to and from school. 

In conclusion, he needed to take a nap or stab something. There was no in between. 

They decided to sit in silence until class started. Well. Pidge and Keith did. Their silent agreement didn’t stop Lance from immediately talking the moment he was within two feet of them. Hunk wasn’t with him today and it was strange to see one without the other. 

He ever so gracefully– aka not gracefully at all– turned the hair around to face their desk, “So, I talked to Cari,” He said, dragging out the O’s, catching Keith’s attention. He sat up just barely, taking a swig of his drink. “She said that she is willing to talk after her Quince, which is not next Saturday, but the Saturday after. She said it’s because she wants some normalcy for a bit, and she is more than obligated to it,” He explained.

Keith sighed. He needed to do something sooner than two weeks away and he wasn’t going to force this girl to talk to him. “Okay,” He said, not bothering with eye contact, his eyes were fixed on the desk. And Pidge gave a concerned look. 

“Another problem though,” He continued, “My ma’ doesn’t let any non-family members in the house, and Lisa– her mom-- said that Cari cannot go out without an adult anymore, so talking to her isn’t exactly an option at all.”

“What?” Keith questioned, a tad too loud and earning a few glances from neighboring tables. They quickly went back to work after Pidge glared at them.

“It’s my family rules, I can’t break them,” Lance said, holding his hands up in defense. 

“There’s no exceptions at all?” Pidge asked, crossing her arms. 

Lance looked to the side, “Well, my sister’s girlfriend is allowed over and Marco’s girlfriend, I don’t even know how he has a girlfriend, he’s like fifteen–”

“Keith, you’re going to hate me,” Pidge said, interrupting Lance. 

Keith turned to her, “You really have to stop beginning sentences like that,” He mumbled. 

“I was reading a book the other day–”

“Nerd.”

“Shut up. It was about these two girls who pretended to date to convince these two guys they weren’t into them,” Pidge said as she rummaged through her own bag. 

“What does this have to do with us?” Lance asked, sitting back slightly. 

“Well, you guys could pretend to date and possibly get Keith close enough to your family to see if Cari would be up to talking about it sooner,” She explained quickly, talking a lot with her hands. 

Keith blinked at her a few times, and so did Lance, both trying to process exactly what was coming out of her mouth. Keith felt Lance’s eyes turn to him but he just stared at Pidge. The warning bell rang, but they were far too into their conversation to notice. 

“No! No– No, no, no, no, no,” Lance said, about to turn back around. “I am not doing that.”

“With all the flirting you were doing, I think you’d be more open to the idea,” Pidge said. 

“It was not being for real, I was just messing with him–” Ow, that stung a bit. But Keith was used to being the punchline of a joke as an alternative gay kid and at this point it didn’t affect him too much. He knew it didn’t matter what some high schooler said to him. 

“At least entertain the idea,” Pidge said. “It’s a solid solution.”

“Pidge might be right,” Keith murmured, his brain telling his mouth to close and stop talking but that connection there was never great. 

Lance scrunched his brows, staring at him. His eyes, Keith never realized how blue they were until now when they seemed to pierce through him. They resembled the ocean water at midday, the brightness of it, he had only been to the beach a few times but he’d never forget that color.

“I know,” Pidge said smugly. 

“How is she right?” Lance asked, sitting back with his arms still crossed. 

“Well, I’m not allowed to go out by myself or with Pidge, for…” He trailed off, “Reasons. But if I had a boyfriend, who wanted to go out and stuff, I could use those ‘dates’,” He did finger quotes, “as an excuse,” he said. 

“And Keith would be allowed in your house because you’d be ‘dating’,” Pidge added. “Would your mom believe you got a boyfriend in two days of going to school here?” She asked. 

“I once got a girlfriend in two hours,” He said, slightly taken aback by Pidge’s question. 

“Let me guess, it lasted that long too?” Keith asked. 

“Foul play, Mullet . But besides the point, are you even gay?” Lance asked, almost regretting it the moment he looked Keith over. He was about to answer when Lance answered himself. “Nevermind, the leather jacket gives it away,” he said. 

“Okay, wow, bold statement from you,” Keith said, motioning to all the bisexual pun pins on his backpack. 

“Both of you shut up,” Pidge said. “Are we doing it or not?” 

“I don’t think Shiro would be convinced,” Keith murmured. 

“Didn’t he hide a boyfriend from you? Just say you were doing the same,” Pidge said. 

“I guess, but I don’t think he’d believe me getting a boyfriend at all.”

“Well, he’s going to have to, just make it convincing, spend time together before actually using him as an excuse for a date– Like you can come over this Friday, we do movie nights at his house,” Pidge said. 

Keith looked to Lance. He wasn’t going to force this guy to pretend to date him, but Harlow needed to get caught. He had to put a stop to Harlow once and for all, and if pretending to date this random guy from his chemistry class can help him get a step ahead, he’s going to do it. 

“Yeah, yeah,” He said, his voice airy as he glanced to the side. “I’ll talk to my Ma’,” he said as the second bell rang. 

Mr. Holt walked over to the whiteboard and he began writing in bold letters, signifying Lance to turn back around, but not bothering to fix his chair. Mr. Holt’s handwriting was the opposite of Pidge’s, which was chicken scratch at best. His was bold and clear, getting his point across. 

“Welcome to Nuclear Chemistry,” He said, turning around and doing jazz hands. “This is my favorite unit to teach, it covers a lot of content but it can be interesting!” He said, and Keith happily got his notebook out while others groaned. “Today we’ll do a quick review of protons and electrons before beginning–” He quickly jotted it down on the board. “- Alpha decay.” 

— 

When he went home that day, Shiro was already sitting on the couch with Kosmo curled up at his side. There was some movie playing that Keith didn’t recognize, but he didn’t bother asking about it. He simply plopped down on the other side of Kosmo, leaning back and getting comfortable. This was going to be a long conversation. 

“How was school?” Shiro asked, pausing the television and turning to face Keith. 

“It was fine, we started nuclear decay in chemistry, math test on Friday and we were assigned an argumentative essay in English, but that’s about it,” He said. 

“Essay on what?”

“The Crucible, I get to choose to defend or justify John Proctor,” He said with fake enthusiasm. “It’s due Friday, Mrs. Honerva is trying to kill me.” He ran a hand through his bangs before moving it to Kosmo’s fur, running his hands over the softness of it. 

“You did choose to take AP English Language,” Shiro said, raising his eyebrows. 

Keith sighed, “Yeah, these are the consequences of my choices,” He mumbled, looking off to the side. He just needed to bite the bullet. Shiro placed a hand on top of Keith’s. 

“What’s wrong?” He asked, tilting his head. “I know this morning was a lot but–”

“It’s not that,” He interrupted immediately. Shiro turned his body fully, sitting criss-cross and looking at Keith directly, even though Keith stared at the dog’s raven fur. 

“Talk to me kid, let me help,” He said. 

“I have a question, more like a request,” he started. He needed to make it convincing. It’s a good thing all he’s learned in his AP Language course so far is Ethos. Shiro leaned in. “There’s someone I want you to meet, it’s a guy and he kinda asked me out and I said yes,” he said slowly, out of nervousness and remembering what they had planned during the end of chemistry. 

Shiro sat back a little, a small smile forming against his lips, “You said yes?”

“Yeah…” He said, trailing off for a moment, “I was wondering if he could come over for movie night this week if that’s okay?” He asked, remembering the amount of trouble he was in. He did not like lying to Shiro, but he needed to. He had to lie to Shiro to reveal the truth about Harlow. 

“Of course, Adam is coming too, so we will have a full house,” He said, glancing around, “Well, apartment,” He corrected. 

“Pidge, he, and I could always just go to my room,” He said, “We never actually watch a movie, Shiro, everyone knows that,” he said. 

“That’s true but your door stays open,” Shiro said. Keith cringed a  little and Shiro tossed a pillow at him. “Not because of that! Because you’re still in trouble and you have a window in there,” he said. 

Keith sighed, “Yeah, yeah,” he said. A few seconds of silence passed between them. 

“What’s his name?”

“Lance,” He said, without thinking. 

Shiro’s jaw seemed to find the floor when the word was uttered out of his mouth. “The Lance you were just complaining about on Friday? He asked you out today?” 

Keith’s eyes widened a little, not part of the plan. “Yeah, he was pretty convincing,” He settled with. 

“He must not be that annoying,” Shiro said with a smirk. 

“Don’t doubt it, he still is,” Keith said, going back to petting Kosmo, who had moved his head over to Keith’s lap now. 

“Regardless, I’m happy for you and of course he’s welcome over.”

Keith smiled a little, not a forced one either. He pulled out phone out and texted Pidge. 

He said yes and believes it.

Chapter Text

Friday came much sooner than he was ready for. 

He laid face-first on his bed again, but this time, he had a headphone plugged in, Maneater by Nelly Furtado played on a loop, evidently one of his favorite things to do was sit in his bed, but music made it more eventful. He had finished most of his assignments, including the annoying essay, but he did have some work for his AP Japanese class that Shiro encouraged him to take. 

The past few days, he had talked over boundaries and stuff with Lance, which was a long and awkward conversation, and he hated every single minute of it but it was necessary. Yes, he was going to pretend to date him but everyone had boundaries and both needed to be aware of the other’s for this arrangement to work. 

“Keith, you have a half hour before everyone is over,” Shiro said from behind the door. “Don’t forget to take out the kitchen trash please.” He heard the footsteps walk away from his door, fading into the apartment. 

Keith let out a loud groan, he did not want to get up. Though he begrudgingly did so, when he remembered that Shiro doesn’t ask for much from him. Of course, he had chores: walking Kosmo, emptying the dishwasher, taking out trash every once in a while– he was a teenager without a job, so he did his part in the apartment. 

But Shiro also understood that he was a neurodivergent teenager , who was moody and angsty and dramatic at points. So he didn’t press too much if Keith asked for a break for a day or two, or if he asked if he could do it at a certain time. He always did the chores, he just needed to complete the task when he had the mental energy. 

He slumped through the living room, passing Shiro who was attempting to vacuum the couch while Kosmo was busy eating his food. He had his phone in one hand and turned to Keith, who was lifting the trash bag out of the trashcan. 

“What does Lance want from Mandu Mien ?” That was the takeout place around the corner that was run by a Korean woman and her German husband. They were very sweet every time they ordered from there and Shiro always tipped well. 

“Uhh,” Keith pulled out his phone and skimmed their texts. He didn’t realize how much they had texted over the past two-ish days.  “The red rice cakes,” he said, shoving the phone back in his pocket and slipping on his cat slippers. 

“Gotch– Keith you’re forgetting something,” Shiro said, tossing his phone onto the TV stand as he continued vacuuming. 

“I’ll put a new bag in when I come back,” He said, reaching for the door handle. 

“Not that,” He said, motioning to Keith, but he did not notice as he had his back turned. 

“Can I just deal with it when I come back?” Keith asked, opening the door. 

“Oh!” 

Keith had never turned his head so fast when he recognized the voice. Lance. A half-hour early. Of course, he was a half-hour early, why wouldn’t he be. He looked down at Lance who stood with his hand still up, about to knock, Keith never looked too much at the clothes he was wearing until today, as it was a pair of sweatpants and a regular gray shirt with blue lining. 

That’s when Keith looked himself over and realized what Shiro was talking about. He was in his red cat slippers, some random sweatpants he had stolen from Shiro because they were too small on him, and his wired headphones dangled from his ear to his pocket. But to really tie his outfit together. 

He forgot a shirt. 

He was about to walk out of the apartment without a shirt on but even more mortifying, he stood in front of Lance, his fake boyfriend, without a shirt on. 

The shirt he had only taken off because the tag had been poking at his neck the entirety of the school day and his brain made him want to explode. So he had stripped it off the moment he walked in the door and must have completely forgotten. 

“Fuck,” He said, slamming the door closed on Lance. He dropped the bag and rushed over to his room. He grabbed some random, tagless shirt from his drawer and threw it on over his head, grumbling to himself the entire time. 

“Keith, don’t slam the door on him! Go let him inside,” Shiro said as he walked back out of his room. 

He went back and opened the door, to find Lance still standing there in the same position, his mouth still slightly dropped. A humbling look. 

“You’re early,” He said. This seemed to knock Lance into consciousness. 

Lance immediately scoffed, “I thought I was late, you said five thirty,” He said, scrolling through the messages. 

“I said six,” Keith said, crossing his arms.  

“No you didn’t!” Lance said, “Aha! look.” He shoved his phone in front of Keith’s face, pointing at a message. Keith grabbed his wrist– which was oddly warm and soft to the touch, but he ignored that– and pushed it back a little so he could read it. 

It starts at 5:30

Oh crap, he did.

Lance pulled his phone away and shoved it deep into his pocket. “I’m right!” Lance cheered, placing his hands on his hips. 

“Cherish it, it won’t happen much,” Keith muttered, opening the door wider. “Come in,” He said, glancing to look for Shiro, who had disappeared presumably to put the vacuum away. 

“This is a nice place,” He said, looking around. He noticed Keith sliding his slippers off and followed his queue, sliding off his tennis shoes with ease. “My ma’ has the same rule, for future reference” He said when Keith gave him a strange look. Usually he had to tell people. 

“Noted,” Keith said, motioing for Lance to follow him to the couch. He stopped and tugged him down by his shirt so with could whisper to him. “My brother might question you like you’re a suspect who murdered an infant– be prepared for anything,” He said. 

Lance nodded as Keith let go of his shirt, both sitting down on the long part of the couch about a foot apart. Except, when Shiro walked back in and gave them a weird look, Lance quickly moved closer to him, about an inch away, he also, not so gracefully threw an arm over the back of the couch, behind Keith’s head. 

Keith, who pressed himself closer to the side of the couch, crossed his arms. He could feel the heat radiating off of Lance. Unlucky for Keith, the fan was directly next to him. 

Shiro sat down, resting his forearms on his thighs. “You’ll take out the trash later?” Shiro asked, tilting his head toward the bag that still sat by the door. Keith nodded in response, he could feel his face heating which contrasted the cool air on his face. 

“I’m Lance,” he introduced, holding out one of his hands to Shiro. 

Shiro shook his hand, “Oh, I know about you,” He said. “Heard you’re quite a talker,” he said and suddenly the wall was very interesting to Keith. “So plan for tonight, Matt, Pidge, and Adam are coming over and we ordered Korean, Matt and Pidge’ll pick it up before they come, and Keith told me you wanted the red rice cakes, right?” 

“Yes, I’ve always wanted to try those and I heard they’re really good,” Lance said, slowly moving his hand to rest from the couch to Keith’s shoulder. It took everything in him to not grab Lance’s arm and hit him with it. 

“Keith’s mom used to make insanely delicious ones,” Shiro said. 

Lance nodded. “Well, if she’s anything like him, I don’t doubt it,” He said, smirking at Keith, who smacked his leg the moment the words left his mouth. 

“Shut up,” Keith said under his breath. “Is Allura not coming today?” He asked, pressing his fingertips into his palms. The pressure helped him relax. 

“No, she was too tired, I guess HR finally listened and pulled both of them aside to try to ‘Talk about their differences and setting boundaries in the workplace’ and Allura just didn’t have the energy to deal with anyone else today.” Keith nodded. 

When Allura came over, he could’ve snuck off with Pidge and Lance, as they would be too busy talking shit, but now that was unlikely, as Matt and Pidge actually enjoyed watching movies. The plan would still work, it would just change and Shiro will definitely have to be convinced tonight, so they could use it as an excuse sooner. It was in reference to his fake relationship. 

Lance had been looking around when he saw a photo of Shiro on the wall, decked out in his uniform. “Oh, you’re a cop right?” He asked and Keith almost gave him a weird look. He knew Shiro was in the force. 

“I’m actually a captain,” Shiro said, leaning back a little. 

Lance turned to Keith for a second before turning back to Shiro. “He didn’t mention that,” He said, squeezing Keith’s shoulder. He was seconds away from hitting him again. 

“Well, I am,” he said. “Do you work?” Shiro asked. 

“I do social media, I get some money from that,” Lance said, “I help my mom with whatever I can.” 

Keith didn’t know that, but to be fair. He didn’t know Lance. 

“What do your parents do?” Shiro asked, no malice behind his tone, simply asking. 

Lance leaned back a little more. “My ma’ was a teacher before she had my sister Racheal, but after that she became a stay at home mom and my dad is an aeronautical engineer,” He explained, crossing one leg over the other. 

“Aeronautical engineer, like for planes?”

“Yeah, he worked really hard for it. He inspired me to want to become a pilot one day.”

Keith’s façade fell. He had aspirations. Before that, Keith had to remind himself that Lance is a person . He’s not just some random guy. He’s a human with a backstory, and a family and goals. And Lance McClain wanted to become a pilot. 

“Really? A pilot?” Shiro asked and Lance nodded. “Taking any AP physics courses? That’ll help you in college,” Shiro said. 

“I plan to take both AP Physics next year, this year I’m only in AP Spanish Language, ‘cause I transferred too late,” He said. 

“Oh right, you moved here, Keith mentioned that. They let you join the AP course?” 

“They made an exception, since I’m fluent,”

“You are?” Keith interjected suddenly. 

“I don’t call you ‘mi alma’ for fun,” Lance said, squeezing him a little closer. He was much better at playing it off than Keith was. To be fair, that’s the first time he’s ever called him that. During their discussion on boundaries, Keith said he didn’t care what Lance called him, it just took him by surprise. 

“Well, that’s sweet,” Shiro said. 

Keith took a small breath, “Actually Shiro, I was wondering if Lance and I could–” Hangout wasn’t the right word, hangout wouldn’t convince Shiro. “Go on a date on Sunday night,” he asked. 

Shiro raised a brow and crossed his arms and Keith mentally started preparing for a lecture. “Where do you want to go?” He asked.

Keith glanced over to Lance, who shrugged, just like they planned, “We were thinking of the park,” He said. 

“Why at night?”

“Less people and–”

“I have church,” Lance added, that wasn’t a lie, he really did have church, “It takes up most of the day with my family so nighttime is the only time I have available,” He said.

“You go to church? Are you religious?” Shiro asked. 

“No, but my family is and I want to support them,” He said. 

Shiro stared at them, his eyes glancing between Keith and Lance. Keith tried to relax himself as much as he could, Shiro was a captain, he knew how to interrogate people, to look for signs of weakness or deception. “I’ll think about it,” He said as he stood. 

“Okay,” Keith said, still holding his breath in his chest. 

“I’m going to grab the blankets, don’t forget to introduce Kosmo,” He said, walking away to the hallway. 

Keith let out a breath once Shiro was out of sight, there was a faint gentle squeeze of his shoulder. “We’ve got this,” Lance muttered. 

Keith nodded before turning to face Lance, “What does mi alma mean?” Keith asked in a whisper. 

“It’s not important. Just a word. Who’s Kosmo?” Lance asked, looking down at Keith. It was the only way he could with how close they were. 

Keith glanced over his shoulder and saw him curled up under the dining table. “Kosmo, c’mere,” He said, tapping his thigh and whistling. The giant Great Pyrenees came from around the corner of the couch, running and jumping into Keith’s lap. His fur completely covered his legs and one of Lance’s. 

“This wolf is Kosmo?”Lance said, yawning both his hands back in fear. 

“He’s a dog and he’s my baby,” Keith said defensively, petting him a few times as he got comfortable. 

“He could eat a small child, he is not a baby,” Lance said. 

“He’s not a baby, he’s my baby. Isn’t that right Kosmo?” he asked, rubbing his fur a bit. The pressure of the dog's weight felt nice against him. He was really comfortable. 

When they heard Shiro’s footsteps, Lance quickly wrapped his arm right back around Keith as discreetly as he could. Which wasn’t very, as he almost smacked Keith in the face doing it. Shiro dropped the blankets down next to Lance, tossing a certain one to Keith. It was a red throw blanket that he has had since he was nine. He carried it to each foster home and kept it when Shiro gained custody of him. 

Keith tossed it over himself and Kosmo, who’s head stuck on the arm of the couch. It was large-  those foster parents loved to keep their house freezing and so they got Keith an extra large one- and so part of it almost covered a portion of Lance, but he wasn’t bothered by it. 

Shiro was about to sit back down when there was a knock at the door. “Who is it?” He shouted, walking toward the door anyway. Matt had a key, so there was really only one option. He opened the door and saw Adam. He had a smile on his face and flowers in his hand. 

“I know you aren’t the biggest fan of chocolate, so I figured flowers would be good. I also saw an empty vase yesterday so I thought I could bring something to put in there– unless it was empty for a reason–” Shiro gave him a quick kiss. 

“They’re perfect, thank you,” Shiro said and Adam let out a sigh of relief. Shiro grabbed the flowers from him and allowed him in. “I will go put these in water, go get comfortable on the couch,” Shiro said, gesturing to the couch as he walked away. 

Adam, being the awkward man he is, sat on the exact opposite end of the couch, sitting straight up with his hands in his lap. Keith wasn’t paying attention, he pulled out his phone and started playing Plants vs. Zombies the moment the door opened. Lance wasn’t giving Adam much either, simply enthralled by the game Keith was playing. 

“Keith, introduce people,” Shiro ordered from the kitchen as he filled the vase with water. 

“Adam, this is Lance. Lance, this is Adam, Shiro’s boyfriend” He said, continuing his game and not really paying attention. 

“You’re Keith’s new boyfriend, right?” Adam asked but then blinked a few times, “And by new i mean like his first ever, because yknow–”

“Adam,” Shiro said, signifying him to stop talking. “He’s not good with new people,” Shiro smiled as he placed the vase on the dining table. 

“I’m your first boyfriend?” Lance asked, turning his head. He still couldn’t believe his first boyfriend was a fake one. Did that even count as a first boyfriend then? He wasn’t going to think much of it for now. 

Keith smacked his arm but Lance was unphased, “Shut up,” he said, 

“I am honored to the highest degree,” Lance said, placing a hand on his chest.

“Shut it, Lance,” He repeated, but didn’t move his eyes from his phone. 

“Be nice,” Shiro said, sitting down next to Adam. 

“Yeah, be nice to me,” Lance pouted, earning another smack to the arm.

“Can someone open the door?!” A voice, familiarly Matt’s voice, shouted through the front door. Shiro immediately stood, leaving Adam awkwardly sitting there once more. “We don’t have any free hands!” Matt added, in case that wasn’t abundantly clear when Shiro opened the door. 

Pidge followed Matt inside, handing off bags of takeout to Shiro so they could slip their shoes off without falling over. Being clumsy was definitely a Holt gene. Pidge immediately sat on the floor in front of the couch, leaning her back against it as she pulled out her phone. There would be plenty of space on the couch for her but she chose the floor, as she did every single Friday. 

“Thanks for the help, sis,” Matt sarcastically said as he helped Shiro organize the food. 

She flipped him off, “No problem,” Pidge said, opening Minecraft , Keith could swear it was an addiction. 

Lance leaned down a little to Keith’s ear, and he froze, feeling the warm breath make a shiver go down his spine, “Her brother is kinda hot,” He whispered. Keith turned and glared, resisting the urge to smack the smirk right off his face. “What? Jealous?”

He smacked him before going back to his game. Not too hard but enough for Pidge to turn around and give a worried look. 

“Don’t kill him,” She said under her breath. 

“He hit the money-maker,” Lance said, rubbing his cheek. “They call this domestic violence,” He said. 

“They call saying someone, who’s not your pretend boyfriend, hot, is adultery,” Keith whispered back. The word pretend was extra quiet. 

“Touche,” Lance said, rubbing his face again.

Shiro and Matt handed out the food, like the househusbands they were, before sitting down. Matt plopped down between Shiro and Lance, food in hand as Shiro, who groaned while doing it, handed him the remote. Keith reached over and turned off the standing lamp in the corner. 

“If we watch another Star Wars movie, I am going to lose it,” Shiro said. 

Matt nudged him, “I thought you loved space,” He said, smirking as he scrolled through different movies. 

“Lance, what movies do you like?” Adam asked, leaning forward to look at Lance. 

“I mainly watch telenovelas because of my family,” He said, “I live with six women so they usually pick.” He took a bite of food. Keith did a mental count in his head; that was a lot. The most people he’s ever lived with are three other foster kids and then two of the foster parents' biological kids– he definitely ran away from that one. “I don’t have a preference, as long as it’s not Dora The Explorer ,” Lance settled with. 

“Why are you watching Dora ?” Keith asked. 

“I have a two year old niece and five year old nephew. I don’t know why it’s Dora The Explorer , they know Spanish more than English– Anyway. It doesn’t matter,” He said, waving it off. 

Eventually, after much debate between Matt and Shiro, the remote was handed to Pidge, who quickly selected Back To The Future before Matt could argue his choice anymore. 

Lance ate with one hand, even though no one was paying attention and he could move his arm– he didn’t. Keith didn’t comment on it and simply ate his food, with Lance’s arm resting on his shoulder. It was harder than normal for him to focus on  the movie, he wasn’t used to being so physically close to people. 

Don’t get him wrong, he loved physical affection. He hugged Shiro all the time, but that’s only because he’s close to Shiro. He doesn’t hug Pidge because she’s not a huge fan of hugs and who was he to force her to. He hugged Allura a handful of times, only on special occasions or if she looked like she needed one. 

It was just odd how casual Lance was with this. Easily squeezing Keith’s shoulder every once in a while, resting his leg against his, his side practically pressed up to Keith’s– they had only met a week ago. Seven days. One hundred sixty eight hours. Well more or less because they had technically met in the morning a week ago– Regardless, it was strange to Keith. 

They were about halfway through the movie when Matt paused the movie. Pidge moaned and smacked him. 

“What the hell? it was just getting good!” She said, smacking him again for good measure. 

“I gotta use the bathroom and I don’t want to miss any,” He said, standing up. 

Pidge let out an exasperated sigh, going on her phone. “I hope you piss yourself,” She grumbled as he walked away. 

“Precisely what I’m trying to avoid,” He said, flipping her off as he turned down the hall. 

Keith would’ve gotten up to throw his trash away but he was extremely comfortable leaning against the couch, with both the dog and blanket on his lap. So instead, when Shiro stands to throw away his own trash, Keith holds it out with a hopefully convincing smile. 

Shiro rolled his eyes– so that’s where he got it from– and grabbed it, “Anyone else?” He asked and Pidge and Lance handed over theirs. “Thanks guys,” He mumbled, being followed by Adam and Kosmo, who had been patiently waiting for his dinner time. 

Pidge turned to them immediately, “You two are very convincing,” she said in a whisper. Lance and Keith separated momentarily to stretch, a few popping sounds coming from Lance’s collarbone and from Keith’s arms. 

“Thank you,” Lance said, squeezing Keith closer, who side eyed him as he placed the arm back over Keith’s shoulder with a smug smirk. 

“This is only to convince Shiro to let us hang out more, so I can use you as a cover.” Keith was barely speaking above his breath. Pidge raised a brow and then turned around. 

“Pidge, stop thinking,” Keith said, a little frustrated he was too far to kick her. 

“Unfortunately I cannot, it is the best facet of me,” She said proudly. 

Shiro and Adam sat back down, holding hands of course. “What are you guys talking about?” Shiro asked, an ear to ear smile on his face. 

“Chemistry,” Keith said. “Lance forgot to do his assignment that was due today,” He said. 

Lance turned with a shocked look on his face, “No I didn’t! Did I?” He asked himself. 

“The worksheet on alpha decay was due today, not Monday and I noticed you didn’t turn it in,” Keith stated, tapping his thighs with his fingertips. 

“Shit, are you joking?” He asked, turning to Pidge for assurance. 

Pidge didn’t turn back, “He’s not. My dad said to turn it in at some point during class and you didn’t get up from your seat until the end of class and you booked it.”

Lance let out a groan. “Does he accept late work?” He asked.

“He’s very lenient,” Shiro said, “Just make sure it’s turned in on time and don’t make a habit out of it.” Lance let out a sigh. 

“You know Mr. Holt?” 

“No, his children just come over to my house,” Shiro said sarcastically. “Yes, I do. Matt’s a CSI so I’ve worked with him, and Pidge and Keith are friends as you know. So I've made friends with Sam.”

Lance nodded, making many mental notes. The most prominent one being “Keith has a hot brother and so does Pidge.”. He could be a simple man at times. Keith kinda just stared at the wall, he was really tired and did not feel like talking anymore. He had half the mind to ask everyone to leave and then rot in his bed for a few hours before sleeping. 

Adam tapped Shiro a bunch of times to grab his attention, “Yes?” He asked, turning his head. They started talking about a topic that Keith wasn’t paying attention to and apparently neither was Lance. 

“You good?” He asked in a whisper, leaning toward Keith. Keith didn’t glance over at him but just kept staring at the wall, he could feel the lack of a grin on Lance’s face. He just nodded, hoping Lance got the hint. 

Matt eventually came back from the bathroom, earning many more smacks from Pidge as soon as he was within arms reach of her and until the movie was playing again. Keith tucked his legs against his chest and rested his head back, leaning a little against Lance. Hell, if he had to do this whole fake boyfriend thing, he was going to be comfortable doing it. 

—

Maybe he was a little too comfortable. 

The next thing he saw when he– attempted to– open his eyes, was bright lights, causing him to shut them close immediately. He heard faint giggling and a few shushes. He tried to doze back off, ignoring the sounds from around him. That was until his warm pillow moved. 

His tired brain didn’t process the fact that his pillow moved and simply squeezed it closer, trying to let the sleepiness overtake him. 

“Keith, Lance has to leave,” His brain was not processing a single word coming out of Shiro’s mouth. 

Keith wasn’t sure what he grumbled, something along the lines of  “ Who’s lance ?” 

“He’s your boyfriend,” He heard someone who sounded like Pidge say. Why was Pidge in his room again?

“I’m offended he forgot about me that fast and is still using me as a pillow!”

Oh. He’s not in his room. 

The flood of memories came back as he blinked the sleep away. Somehow, in his sleep, he ended up fully laying his head on Lance and throwing an arm over his waist, slightly drooling on Lance’s shirt.The blanket was still wrapped snugly around him, keeping him warm. 

 He quickly pushed himself up and into the corner of the couch, still partially asleep as his brain finally let him open his eyes. 

The lights were on, credits were playing on the TV and everyone stared at him. Well, except Matt and Adam, who were busy arguing the probability of time travel. Pidge stood smugly with her phone out, it flashed a few times meaning she had probably taken photos. Fuck him . He wasn’t dealing with this. 

He didn’t dare look at Lance. This was substantially worse than Lance seeing him shirtless. He fell asleep on his fake boyfriend. Oh god. He placed his head in his knees, trying to play off the growing redness on his face as exhaustion. Keith felt Lance stand, the weight next to him had dispearring in seconds. 

Pidge grinned at Keith, tucking her phone away and turning to her brother, who was still arguing with Adam. “Matt, we’re leaving,” Pidge said, grabbing his wrist and tugging him behind her. “See you guys next week, same time.” She pulled her shoes on with one hand, just as eager to go home. 

Adam gave Shiro a quick peck before following the other toward the door, continuing their conversation. They would still hear it even as they walked down the hall. 

“Lance, thank you for coming,” Shiro said. “Do you have a ride home?” He asked. 

“My sister-in-law said she’s like five minutes away,” Lance said. 

Keith felt Shiro tap his back from behind him. “Well, Keith will happily walk you out and take the trash out while he’s at it,” Shiro said. Keith sighed quietly, removing his head from his knees. “Right, Keith?” 

He rolled his eyes and nodded, slowly standing up and letting the blood flow into his legs. He dragged a hand down his face and slipped on his slippers. 

“Also, you guys can have your date on Sunday night,”  He added as they walked out. 

Before Keith shut the door, he gave a thumbs up. Once the door shut, he motioned for Lance to follow behind him and Lance nudged him as they walked. 

“Someone was tired,” Lance said, giving him another nudge. 

“We will never talk about that,” Keith said, making a sudden right to go down the stairs. 

Lance quickly followed him, “But we really should. You drool a lot, did you know that?” 

“Stop talking– in fact, never talk again.”

“But then you’d be sad–” Lance was interrupted by Keith dropping the bag on the stairs, turning around and shoving him back. Lance held his hands up in defense, “What the hell man?!” 

“I don’t know you, we aren’t friends, this is purely so I have an excuse,” Keith said, glaring at him. 

Lance’s face twitched a little, “I know that,” He said, shoving him back. “Doesn’t mean you get to be a dick to me!”

“We’re alone in this staircase, you don’t have a reason to act like we’re friends. So stop talking to me,” Keith said, grabbing the trash bag and walking out the door. A cold wind blew over them, the creepy street lamp was the only light. 

Keith waved for him to follow him around the corner, the alleyway where the trash dumpster was.

“You fell asleep on me, don’t we have a little bond?” 

“No.” 

“You can’t pretend it didn’t happen.”

“Yes, I can.” Keith tossed the trash into the large dumpster. “And you will too,” He said, turning around. He attempted to be intimidating but Lance could not take him seriously in cat slippers. 

There was a loud honk from behind them. A woman was waving her hand while sitting in a minivan. Keith couldn’t see her face from the darkness, but he could see curls upon curls of hair going down her shoulder. 

“ Flaco , vámonos ! Nadia y Silvio se están quedando dormidos y tú los llevarás dentro !” The woman yelled. 

“If they’re sleeping, why is she yelling?” Lance asked himself in a whisper. “ Ya me voy !” He shouted back. He turned to Keith, who had his arms crossed. “Can we at least hug?” 

“No.”

“Please?”

“Shut up.” 

Lance hugged him anyway. Keith ever so awkwardly hugged him back. 

“Lance! Stop hugging your boyfriend!” 

Keith almost shouted back but decided against it. He had to lie to Lance’s family too. 

Lance waved goodbye and speed walked to the car. Keith stood there, watching him. He watched him all the way until the car was out of sight.

Chapter Text

It had taken all weekend for Keith to convince Shiro to let him take the car tonight. He did many chores and made many empty promises of no violence or weapons. Keith’s main argument being, “ Why would I take my boyfriend along to go beat someone up? ”. In Keith’s mind it was a strong argument but Shiro didn’t think so. 

Eventually he did cave after much pestering, with the promise that Keith would answer whenever Shiro called. He could do that. 

The drive to Lance’s house was only about ten minutes with the afternoon traffic, but it felt like an eternity. The sun had almost vanished from the horizon when he parked outside Lance’s house. Keith knew they had only moved in about three weeks ago, but the house already resembled one that had been lived in for years. 

There were a few handfuls of toys scattered through the green lawn, Keith could see a space tapestry on a top floor window, and there was a sign outfront that wrote “ The McClain’s” in a fancy cursive font. The house itself was a light blue color with a white trimmed fence– straight out of an all-American movies that Keith watched with one of his foster families– the door with a bright red color. The overhang and trim was a perfect white shade and Keith wanted to drive away right there. 

Who was he to drag this perfectly normal family into his mess? 

Who did he think he was?

As he started the engine, fully ready to drive away he saw Lance walking out, a shit-eating grin on his face and a small bag around his shoulder. Behind him was a taller girl, waving a flip-flop in the air and angrily shouting something incoherent in Spanish that Keith didn’t understand. 

“Love you ‘Nica!” He said, waving behind himself as he quickly jumped into Shiro's truck. She shouted another thing Keith didn’t understand. “I know! I will!” 

Keith wanted to shove him out. It enraged him. How could Lance agree to this stupid idea?

He pressed the gas once Lance was buckled– he wasn’t getting a ticket– and drove off. Lance placed his bag on the floor, Keith didn’t even want to know. 

“So, what’s the plan?” Lance asked, looking at Keith as he drove. 

“My source sent me more information. Harlow is hitting another park tonight and I plan to make sure he leaves,” Keith said. “It’s one of the smaller ones and there’s usually not too many people there.”

“Who’s your source?”

“A friend,” He kept it simple. Acxa couldn’t get in trouble as well. He tossed Lance a pair of leather gloves, “Put these on and check the glove department,” Keith said as he made a right, his gloved hand sliding over the wheel. 

Lance popped open the glove department and saw multiple things. Car registration, a few bandanas, a pack of gum, a first aid kit, and oh . 

Lance picked it up with ease, “What do I need a gun for?” he asked, looking it over. 

“Ever shot one?” Keith made a left this time. 

“My Pa’ used to take us to the shooting range, he still does sometimes,” Lance said, placing it back into the glove department. 

“If anything unusual happens, use it on Harlow.” Keith glanced behind him, placing a hand on the back of Lance’s seat as he reversed into a spot in the far back of the lot. 

“What usually happens? Does Pidge usually have a gun?”

“Pidge usually doesn’t ask so many questions,” he retorted, reaching into the glove box to grab his bandana. 

Lance leaned back. “It’s my first time, I have questions,” He said, an undertone in his voice that Keith tried his best to ignore. He knotted the bandana around his head, checking in the rearview that his face was covered. 

“I usually don’t have Pidge with me, but last time she had a taser. When I go after Harlow, I don’t have a weapon, but the past two times he’s had a weapon, the first time it was some knife and last time he had that gun,” Keith said, motioning toward the gun that sat in the still open glove box. 

“Hold on, that’s his gun?” Lance asked, suddenly closing it with his knee. Keith nodded. 

“Lately, I’ve been threatening him to leave but he never listens so…” He leaned forward, lifting his red hoodie, and waved at the knife sheath on his back. “I have it just in case.”

“So what do I do?”

“You sit here and do nothing,” Keith said with a nod. 

“I just sit here and look pretty?” Lance said, smiling. 

“Exactly.”

“So you think I’m pretty?”

“Lance.” He slipped his hood over his head. “Don’t turn the lights on and answer if Shiro calls,” he said, handing his phone to Lance. “Say I’m in the bathroom or something. It’s important that Shiro doesn’t know about this.”

“I got it, Mullet, this isn’t my first rodeo– well technically this is my first time doing something like this but–”

“Lance.” Keith was standing outside of the car now, “Whatever you do, don’t get out of the car unless something happens,” he said and before Lance could rebuttal, the door was shut. 

The park was more open, so he couldn’t sneak up on Harlow but at least there were no young kids around. He looked around, aware of his surroundings with each step on the soft grass. He stood at the edge of the playground, his eyes scanning over the park.

It was quiet but it became silent when he felt something warm pressed against his back. He froze. The warm breath through his hoodie was contradicted by the knife against his collarbone. The smell of cigarettes burned Keith’s nose and lungs. He felt Harlow’s other hand on his shoulder. 

“So how do you know my barista?” 

The voice was low in his ear and he was frozen. 

“This was to test to see how you keep getting my location, but I know how now. I guess I’ll have to switch coffee shops,” He said, a tinge of disappointment in his voice. “What’s her name? Acxa? She was always asking questions, I thought she was making conversation.”

Keith attempted to reach for his knife but Harlow moved the knife up toward his throat, halting his movements. 

“Don’t even think about it. Where’s my gun from last week? The cops were very unamused by the fact that I didn’t know who attacked me last week. I wasn’t either.” The hand on his shoulder moved toward the bandana. 

“Don’t,” Keith said, his voice barely coming out above a whisper. His eyes were transfixed on the trees in the far back. 

“How are you going to stop me?” He asked. 

Keith took a deep breath, blinking a few times. It was worth the risk. He raised his hand, gripping Harlow’s armed hand with as much force as he could. He kicked him back, attempting to keep the knife as far away from his throat as best he could. It ended up cutting his lower collarbone as Harlow flew back. 

He placed a hand on his chest and let out a groan, he could feel the blood sticking to his shirt underneath and he hoped he remembered his red one. 

“Good hit kid, one day I’ll find out who’s under there and I’ll make you regret it,” Harlow said, his knife was slightly longer than Keith’s sharper too. It was a replica of the one from that Thursday night last week. 

“I’ll make you regret ever existing,” Keith said, holding his knife tight in his free hand. The other was still pressing onto his collarbone, trying to stop the bleeding. It wasn’t working. “Turn yourself in Harlow.”

“Tonight was a decoy. I hoped you wouldn’t show so we can continue this game. But unfortunately, you don’t have a source anymore and I have other places to be.”

“I’ll find you anywhere you go Harlow. You aren’t going to hurt anyone else,” Keith said, attempting to fight off the dizziness. Maybe he should have listened when Shiro tried to remind him to eat today. It wasn’t his fault he was a bit preoccupied in his thoughts. 

Keith lunged at him, just barely grazing his other shoulder. He felt Harlow slit his back before he could turn around. Keith kneed to the floor, kicking Harlow off his feet. Though, due to the lightheadedness, he couldn’t drag himself back up.

“Here’s the thing,” Harlow shoved him back. Causing Keith to fall onto his back, pressing the gash there against his weight. “You can’t stop me. No matter how hard you try, you are a kid . You have more limits,” Harlow said nothing more, simply staring down at Keith. 

Keith blinked a few times, trying to keep focus. He heard the sound of a gun cocking from behind him. He looked up and saw Lance, a bandana around his face and the gun pointed out at Harlow. He had tossed on some jacket that was in the car and tugged the hood over his head. His stance was perfect, his feet planted shoulder length apart. Keith barely recognized it was him. 

“I should shoot you right here,” Lance said. 

Harlow tilted his head. “Those eyes, where do I know you?” 

Lance didn’t falter, “You don’t,” he said. He glanced down at Keith, who’s eyes were blinking slowly, squeezing closed every time he moved. “Go or I’ll shoot you right here,” Lance moved the gun toward his head. 

“I know where my gun went, didn’t know you worked with a partner, red,” Harlow said nothing more, and disappeared into the parking lot, and eventually the street. 

Lance knelt down to Keith, sliding the bandana down. “I wasn't paying attention for two seconds and your ass got injured,” Lance said, unzipping Keith’s hoodie. Keith pulled his mask down and grabbed his knife from next to him. 

“It was a set up,” He muttered, the floor was comfortable besides the sharp pains in his back.He arched, sliding the knife back into the sheath. He could feel Lance’s hands graze over his shirt. It was not the red one, but a plain white one that now had blood stains on it. 

“Do I call someone? Shiro?” 

“No!” Keith shouted, coughing a little after. “Definitely not Shiro. Just get me to the car,” He said. Lance slid an arm under Keith’s and helped get him to his feet. 

“Y’know, I didn’t just sit there and look pretty,” Lance said, a grin spreading on his face. “Some might say I saved you,” He said, letting Keith lean on him as they walked.

“Some might shut up while a guy is bleeding through his clothes,” Keith said. “Get me to the bed, Shiro will murder me if he finds out about this because there’s blood on his seats,” Keith said, nodding his head at the truck. 

“Not how I thought you’d be asking me to bed, but I’ll take it.”

“It’s what the back of a truck is called,” Keith said, leaning on the car as Lance dropped open the tailgate. 

“I know that– nevermind, what else, your highness?” Lance asked and Keith rolled his eyes. 

“Don’t call me that. The first aid kit is in the glovebox.” Keith attempted to pull himself up on the tailgate, failing a few times before he was able to muster the strength. His collarbone felt like it was throbbing and his back stung with each breath. He slid his bandana off before  tugging his jacket off, and wincing as he peeled the shirt off, cringing at the parts with stained blood. 

Lance came back around with the first aid kit and his bag, he froze a second looking at Keith before tossing the bags up and hopped up with Keith. He grazed over his collarbone, it had stopped bleeding but it still stung to the touch. The cut went from his upper shoulder and curved down his collarbone, making a weird exponential graph line across his chest.

Lance opened the first aid kit for him. He pulled out gauze and alcohol pads. Keith went to grab them but Lance stopped him. 

“I can,” He said, scooting closer, “Nadia and Silvio are not gentle and they get hurt a lot so I know how,” He added. Keith didn’t say anything when Lance tore open the alcohol pads, not when he placed a hand on his shoulder to look at the cut on his back, not when Lance started. 

“It’s going to sting,” He warned. He leaned in, his touch was gentle, each swipe over the cut did burn a little but Keith wasn’t paying attention to that. Instead, his eyes were focused on Lance, the way he bit his tongue as he cleaned the wound, his fingertips barely grazed Keith’s skin. He was treating him as something that was made of glass. 

“Why?” The words left his mouth before he could stop it. He quickly shut his mouth and bit at his lip piercing 

Lance didn’t stop, now moving to Keith’s back. “Why what?” He asked. The back burned a lot more and Keith could tell it was deeper. Good thing he was a stomach sleeper. 

“Why are you doing this?” Keith’s voice was barely above a whisper. 

“Well, you don’t have the flexibility to reach directly behind your shoulders so–”

“Not what I mean, Lance.” He took a deep breath when lance grazed over an extra deep spot. 

“Sorry,” He whispered. Keith didn’t answer and took another shaky breath. “Are you asking why I’m doing this fake dating thing?” Keith nodded. 

“You have the perfect family in the perfect house.” You’re per–

Lance laughed. It took Keith by surprise. The touch on his back vanished and the air around them was filled with a light airy laughter coming from Lance’s mouth. Keith dared to glance back and saw Lance with his eyes closed, his smile lines revealing themselves as he placed a hand on his chest. 

“Mullet, my family is far from perfect,” He said. “There’s so much you don’t know.” He continued his cleaning. “I’m doing this because I know how much Harlow hurt Cari. She barely leaves her room, we bring her food and water up there. She missed her first week at school. She had been really excited about it,” His voice was trailing off. 

“You don’t owe me an explanation, I’m sorry.” Keith looked up at the stars. Mentally nothing constellations. 

Lance grabbed the gauze, “My point is, my niece lost her spark because of Harlow. He took away her shine,” He leaned in even closer to wrap the gauze. “I’m willing to do anything I can to help bring him to justice, because Cari and all those other girls deserve their sparks back,” Lance said. 

A few moments of silence passed between them, Lance wrapping it as Keith looked up. Orion’s belt . The gauze felt strange against his skin but he knew he needed it. He would change it in the morning in the bathroom before school. 

“Why do you do it?” Lance’s voice broke through the silence with a beat. “Why are you going after Harlow?”

Keith bit at his piercing, glancing to the side. Lance was very close, he could feel his breath against his shoulder. The guy did technically save his life, even if he would never admit that out loud. 

“My mom used to be a Lieutenant under my dad, before he died.” He said. He never told this story out loud. He never planned to. “After he did, she became this vigilante . She was a hero, she stopped so many shitty people. She did it to try to make the world a safer place for me.” 

“She said that to you?” 

Keith nodded. “One night, when I was six, she left me this knife, went on a mission and never came back,” He said. He felt Lance’s movements stall. “My mother was a good woman and I owe it to her to finish her goal. Starting with guys like Harlow.” His chest hurt but not from the cut. 

Lance didn’t say anything. Rather, he pulled Keith into a hug, holding his arms extra careful around the gauze. He rested his chin on Keith’s shoulder. He was hesitant, holding his hands up awkwardly before eventually, slowly, wrapping his arms around Lance as best he could. He could smell Lance’s shampoo– he wasn’t trying to– from where his head rested on Lance's chest. 

“I don’t have a shirt,” Keith mumbled. 

Lance pulled away and Keith immediately missed the warmth of his skin. He pulled out a shirt from the bag and handed it to Keith. “I came prepared,” he said, a proud look covering his face. 

“Why did you bring an extra shirt?” 

“You never know! There’s also extra pants,” Lance said as Keith skimmed over the shirt. It was one promoting some skin care brand. “I am an influencer, I get free PR from tons of skin care companies,” He grinned. 

“I forgot that,” Keith muttered, sliding the black t-shirt over his head. The shirt smelled of shampoo too. 

“How dare you! Y’know I did a whole GRWM for this date?” he said, pulling out his phone. 

“It’s not a real date. What even is a GRWM?”

“Get ready with me?” 

“Why would you make that?”

“I don’t know, the people of social media love it and Racheal has fun editing them,” Lance shrugged, he showed the video to Keith, who of course watched it. It was a video montage of Lance using different products and some weird transitions to show the outfit change. 

“Get ready with me for my secret date?” Keith read off the caption. “Is it really secret if it’s all over social media?” 

“Well, it’s a secret because they don’t know it’s you,” Lance said, sliding his phone back in his pocket. 

“Do you ever plan to tell?” Keith asked, looking back up at the stars. 

“That I have a fake boyfriend?” Lance asked and Keith nodded. “Maybe. We can talk about it when it comes down to that though, many influencers choose to keep their partners off camera, so it wouldn’t be suspicious,” He said. 

“Well, that’s good.” He slipped his jacket on. “Is the gauze visible?” He asked. 

Lance reached forward, adjusting the shirt, his fingertips glazed Keith’s collarbone again but this time it sent shivers down his spine. “That’s better, just be careful wearing loose neck collars,” Lance warned as if Keith didn’t already know. 

“Did Shiro ever call?” Keith asked as they cleaned up the truck bed, tossing the trash in a nearby can. 

Lance nodded, “I said you were in the bathroom and he just went along with it. I thought he’d ask more questions.” 

“He has an actual date with Adam tonight so he’s probably busy,” Keith said, shutting the tailgate. 

“Yeah. busy ,” Lance snickered. 

“Why do you say things?” Keith asked as they slid into the car. 

“Because I can,” He said as Keith started the car. “Should you really be driving after all that?” Lance asked. 

“I’ll be fine,” Keith said, adjusting the rear view. Keith heard Lance shuffling through his bag as he put the bandana away. 

“Here,” Lance said, holding out a metal bottle. 

“What?” Keith asked, staring at it. 

Lance shook it a little, “It’s a water bottle, it will help,” 

“I don’t need–”

“ Mullet , drink the water or I’ll pour it on you,” He said. 

Keith glared at him, his eyes narrowing as he opened the bottle. He looked inside and it was water. He hesitantly drank some, holding it in the air and away from his mouth as the water flowed out. Some of it landed on his chin but he didn’t care that much. 

He closed it off and handed it back to Lance. “Thanks,” He muttered. 

“I don’t want to crash and die while I’m supposed to be on a date, bad for my image,” Lance said, shoving the water bottle into his bag. Keith couldn’t tell if he was joking or not. 

Keith sighed and began pulling out of the parking lot. He went to pull up the directions on the console and saw that music had been playing. “Rihanna? Really?” He asked, closing it out and putting in Lance’s address. He remembered it from earlier. 

“Yes, she’s an icon, a queen, and a legend,” He said, crossing his arms. 

“Whatever you say.”

“What do you listen to? My Chemical Romance ? Fall Out Boy ? Oh! Panic at the Disco ?” 

“Nelly Furtado,RJA, PTV, TDG– MCR is good but not my kind of music,” Keith said, making a left. 

“ You listen to Nelly Furtado?” 

“Yeah.”

“That is unexpected.” Lance leaned back in the seat, his hands fiddling with the strap of his bag. It was quiet the last few minutes of the car ride, the lack of the GPS voice threw Lance off, but he didn’t comment on it. Lance had also rolled down his window at some point, looking at the passing scenery. 

When they arrived at the McClain household, the same older girl from earlier stood outside on the steps, her hands resting on her hips. She was almost identical to Lance, except glasses and her hair was cut just above her shoulders. 

Before Lance could even unbuckle, she was standing outside the truck door. Height must be a genetic thing because she could easily lean on window seal. Her eyes seemed to pierce through Lance before moving to Keith, whose hands were still on the wheel. 

“How was the date?” She asked, resting her head on her forearms. 

Lance rubbed the back of his head. “It was nice, it got cold so we decided to come back earlier than planned,” He said, a wide smile on his face. 

“I can see,” She said, motioning toward Keith’s shirt, which was actually Lance’s, and Keith had forgotten to zip his jacket up. 

“It’s not– we didn’t–” Lance stuttered out. 

“I spilled some food on my shirt and Lance gave me an extra he had,” Keith said, zipping his jacket up. 

She raised an eyebrow, “Uh huh, okay,” She said, adjusting her glasses. “Well, mullet boy– wait, what is your name? Lance never told us,” She asked, smacking his arm. 

“Ow!”

“It’s Keith,” He said, side-eyeing Lance. 

“Hi Keith, I’m Veronica, Lance’s big sister,” She said, placing a hand on her chest. 

“Don’t you have college stuff to be doing?” Lance asked, attempting to open the door. 

“That’s not your business,” She said, smacking him again. Keith liked her.  “Ma’ wanted to invite your boyfriend to dinner on Wednesday, since everyone is free and wants to meet him,” She said. 

“Oh,” Keith said. 

“I was going to ask you when you picked him up, but Flaco didn’t give me the chance and ran out.” She had the same blue eyes as Lance, but hers were a deeper shade. They were comforting yet intimidating. “So, Keith, would you like to join us for dinner on Wednesday? My girlfriend will be there and so will my other little brother’s girlfriend,” She said. 

He didn’t think much before he spoke, “Sure, what time?” 

“ Mira, te dije !” Keith fully believed Lance’s arms were covered in bruises from the amount of times Veronica has hit in.

“ Deja de pegarme !”

Keith didn’t know what was happening, he was tired and wanted to go home. 

“It’s at five, we eat kinda early because of the little ones, but feel free to stay as long as you want,” She said, finally stepping back to let Lance out of the car. He did, rubbing at his arm even as he shut the door. 

“Okay, thank you.” He needed to stop talking. 

She said a few more things that Keith didn’t process as Lance shoved her inside. “Bye Mullet, see you tomorrow!” Lance said over her. Keith waved as the window rolled up and drove off. 

He took a deep breath, he clicked on his console to play something. His hand froze over it. Did it matter that much if he listened? He pressed play anyway. So he drove home, listening to what Lance was last listening to. Rihanna’s voice came quietly out of the speaker. 

“ No matter what I do, I'm no good without you. And I can't get enough. Must be love on the brain .” 

Chapter Text

Keith had managed to change the gauze without Shiro noticing. He did it quickly and in the bathroom, shoving toilet paper on top of it in the trash can. Not his brightest moment but it worked. It still hurt like a bitch, even as he sat down at his desk. He kept his posture as straight as he could so it would hurt less. 

“Who pissed in your coffee?” Pidge asked as she sat. 

Keith glared at her. “Last night didn’t go as planned. Harlow knew I was coming, he figured out Acxa is my source,” He said. 

“The barista?” Pidge questioned, placing her laptop on the desk and opening it. 

“Yep. I have to check in with her today and warn her. Yesterday, he got the jump on me and…” He slid his shirt to the side, revealing the gauze. It had been a struggle to put it on by himself but he managed. “Cut me up pretty bad.”

“Ouch,” She said. “Does Shiro know?”

“Oh god no, he can never find out. I had to sleep with a shirt on last night,” Keith said with a small pout. “Uh, Lance helped me a lot though, held the gun on Harlow till he left.” His words were barely above his breath. 

“Really?” Pidge asked, a look of surprise covering her face. “Lance knows how to use a gun?”

“Yeah, he mentioned his dad teaching him.” He nodded while he spoke,still processing that information himself. He didn’t think Lance of all people would know how to handle a gun. For once, he was grateful to be wrong. He didn’t think telling her about everything else that happened last night was too important. 

“So, he saved your life?” She asked with a grin, adjusting her glasses as she spoke. 

“Harlow wouldn’t have killed me, he’s not capable of killing someone, you saw him that night,” Keith said, rolling his eyes. Pidge was about to say something else, but Keith quickly added, “Though,I am officially invited over for dinner at the McClains on Wednesday,” He said.  

“So soon? I thought it would take longer,” She continued talking as Minecraft loaded on her computer. Was there an AA for Minecraft players?He should make one for Pidge, this was an addiction.

“I thought it would too,” He said. “Apparently a ton of people will be there, including Caridad. I asked Shiro about it and he said he could drop me off before he goes grocery shopping.” A large part of him wanted to cancel and say nevermind to the entire idea of fake-dating Lance. It had only been a week but he already felt awful about lying to people. 

“Hey boyfriend,” Lance said as he slid into the chair. Keith hadn’t even seen him walk in. 

“Fake,” Keith corrected in a whisper. 

“Hello Lance’s fake boyfriend,” Hunk said, softly saying part of his sentence as he sat. 

“You told him?” Keith asked, his eyes glaring into Lance. 

Lance held his hands up in defense, “He’s my best friend! I had no other choice,” He said, leaning forward at Pidge’s computer. “Are you playing Minecraft again?”

“Don’t be nosey,” Pidge said, pulling her computer closer.

“He’s not very good at that,” Keith and Hunk said simultaneously. They both gave each other a look. 

Lance ignored their comment, his eyes moving back to Keith, “Speaking of things I’m good at, how’s your…?” he trailed off, motioing to his own collarbone. 

“Oh, he told me about that too,” Hunk said and Keith sighed. What was the point of secrets if so many people knew. “Are you okay?” He asked, his head was tilted and his soft eyes were scanning over Keith, it made it hard for him to be upset about it. Keith knew Hunk way less than he knew Lance– which was saying something because he barely knows Lance– and he was worried about Keith. 

He “glanced away, hoping it would make the two of them stop staring at him, “Part of my collarbone is still open and most of my back, but the lighter parts have already started scarring, and I changed the gauze this morning,” He said. 

“You can’t properly change this kind of wrapping by yourself,” Lance said, standing up. 

“I did, what are you doing?” Keith asked as Lance held his hand out. 

“ We’re going to the bathroom and I’m fixing it,” He said. 

“No we aren’t,” Keith said. 

“It couldn’t hurt,” Pidge added. “You aren’t very good at taking care of yourself Keith,” She said under her breath. 

“Yes I am! I changed the dressing just fine!” He crossed his arms. 

Lance ignored him and dragged him out of the seat anyway. Keith stumbled a bit before gaining his footing. Lance was awkwardly close and inches away from his face. He crossed his arms and glared upward at him. 

“Lance, I could kill you,” Keith said as Lance grabbed his hand.

“Yeah, but you won’t.” Lance dragged him through the classroom, shoving past the people who were entering and dodging desks. Mr. Holt raised a finger to ask them but Lance answered before he could, “Bathroom, yes both of us, we’ll be back before anything important happens, promise! Okay thanks!”

Mr. Holt blinked a few times and Keith shrugged as he was dragged out the door by a determined Lance. They passed a few bystanders, who gave them both odd looks. He didn’t say anything as they entered the bathroom at the far end of the hall. Lance continued pulling him all the way until they were inside the large stall at the end. 

When Lance finally let him go, he stepped back and stared at him expectantly. 

“What?” Keith asked, leaning against the sink. It was cold, but he didn’t want to lean against the walls, which had scribbles of curse words and vulgar drawings all over the off-white walls. 

“Take your shirt off, duh,” Lance said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. It might have been, but Keith wouldn’t know that. 

“Oh you were being serious?” 

“Obviously!”

“How was I supposed to know?”

“I dragged you all the way over here? I think that makes it pretty obvious.”

Keith rolled his eyes, sliding his shirt off. He wasn’t in the mood to argue. He glanced back in the mirror and saw his back. Maybe Lance had been right. Maybe the gauze didn’t properly cover the cuts on his back. Maybe he was right but Keith wasn’t going to admit that. 

“See, I was right,” Lance grumbled as he stepped forward and began unwrapping it. 

“Shut up,” Keith said, lifting his arm to let Lance do it. 

Lance muttered something that Keith wasn’t paying attention to. He was too focused on counting the freckles across Lance’s face. He kept losing count after about fifteen. Some were lighter than others but from how close Lance was, he could include those in his counting. 

“Mullet, you’re staring,” Lance said as he finished, tucking the end piece under the previous wrap on his shoulder. 

“Oh, sorry,” He mumbled, sliding his shirt on as best he  could. The wrap was a lot tighter than he had done this morning but he knew it was necessary. 

“It’s okay,” Lance said. He turned on his heels, “Oh and about Wednesday, you don’t have to come if you don’t want to. I know it can be a lot and-”

“Lance.” Keith pushed himself off the sink and the tone he said it in made Lance shut up. “It’ll be okay. I have to convince your family too. I need to talk to Cari about Harlow, she knows something more. I can get through a family dinner with your family,” He said. 

“I can barely get through my own family dinners,” He said with a small chuckle. “Just, if you want to leave at any point, let me know and you can.”

“I will.”

They stood like that for a minute. Just staring at each other. From the distance, Keith couldn’t count his freckles or see the different shades of blue in his eyes, or feel the warmth that radiated off him. He almost stepped forward. 

The bell rang and Lance spoke, clearing his throat and looking to the side, “Mr. Hot must be wondering where we are.”

“Do you really have to call him that?” Keith asked as they walked out of the bathroom. 

Lance’s large grin was back, “Yes, because he is hot and his name is Holt, it’s a wordplay, guyliner.” 

“Do you call people nicknames because you can’t remember their names?”

“No! It’s just fun,” He said, crossing his arms as he walked. 

“Uh huh, sure.” He was very unconvinced. 

They continued arguing even as they walked into the class. Mr. Holt hadn’t stood yet and was still at his desk, typing away. The two made their way to the back of the class, noticing Pidge had stolen Lance’s seat in order to play Minecraft with Hunk. 

“Uh, hey, that’s my seat,” Lance said, standing over Pidge with crossed arms. Keith ignored it and went straight to his own. 

“Just sit in mine, my dad doesn’t care,” Pidge said, shrugging. 

“I want to sit in my seat.” He moved his hands to rest on his hips. 

“Dude, it’s not a huge deal,” Hunk interjected, not looking at Lance. Some creeper was about to blow him up. 

Lance huffed and sat down in Pidge’s seat. 

As they worked on whatever assignment Mr. Holt gave out, Lance continued to bother Keith, who was idly working. He would poke him, draw smiley faces on Keith’s paper when he wasn’t paying attention, ask if he could copy which was followed by a swift no, and he simply just kept talking about whatever was on his mind. 

Keith understood why his sister was always smacking him. 

“So, you sure I can’t copy?”

“Do you not know how to do this?”

“I do! I just don’t want to,"Lance said, letting his head drop to the table with a thunk!

Keith sighed, “Yes, I’m sure you can’t copy. Just do it,” Keith said. 

“Who are you? Nike ?” 

“Have you ever been told to shut up?”

“Yes, many times.”

“Keith, be nice to Lance,” Pidge interjected from in front of them. 

How was Lance so nice with the gauze and taking care of the wounds, but so annoying with this? Yesterday, he was sweet and today he was just pissing Keith off. He wanted to beat the crap out of him for acting like nothing happened yesterday. They bonded and hugged , Keith doesn’t just hug people he doesn’t know. 

Keith grumbled a curse word to himself as he finished the last question on the worksheet. Pidge and Hunk had worked together and finished at least ten minutes ago. 

“Yeah, mullet , be nice to me,” Lance said with a smile. 

“Lance, stop patronizing Keith,” Hunk added, fist bumping Pidge as they killed a skeleton together. “We’re so cool,” Hunk said, grinning as he collected the drops. 

“We are. Keith never wants to play with me, he’s always playing Plants Vs. Zombies on his phone and he refuses to play any other game,” Pidge complained as Keith’s finger was hovering over the app she just mentioned. Lance leaned over and chuckled. Keith glared at him for the upteenth time today. 

“You’re a dick,” Keith muttered. 

“Happily,” Lance smiled. 

—- 

Later that day, he had convinced Shiro to stop by the coffee shop that Acxa worked at, claiming he wanted to pick up some teas. It was a small local one, not many people and had an obscure name that not many people understood. Keith walked inside, feeling the a/c fall over him. A few people sat around and considering the time, there were only two workers. 

“Welcome to Vrepit Sa, where your coffee is as deadly as– Oh, hi Vigilante,” Ezor said. One of Acxa’s friends who was in on the entire thing. She came up with the nickname and was insistent on calling him that, despite him correcting her many times. Her high ponytail flipped as she quickly walked to the front desk.

“Hi Ezor, can I talk to Acxa?” He said as he approached the front. “And can I get two Jasmine teas to go?” He asked quickly. 

Ezor nodded, ringing him up, “Anything for my favorite vigilante,” She said. As he paid and tipped of course, Acxa saw him and waved for him to follow her to the back, which he did. They stood in the dishwashing area and Acxa slipped off her 

“You got a haircut,” He pointed out. Her once shoulder length purple hair was now just below her ears. Her brown skin glowed even under the flickering light above them. Her dark purple apron was covered in pins and looked tight against her strong build. 

“I did, but I am going to assume that’s not why you wanted to talk to me,” Acxa said, crossing her arms. Keith felt small against her statue, she was tall with broad shoulders that looked like she could easily pick up Keith and throw him out the window. 

“Harlow found out it was you who’s been giving me information,” Keith said. If he hadn’t been looking her in the eyes, he wouldn’t have seen the glimpse of them widening for a split second. 

“How?”

“I’m assuming he mentioned something to you and found out– I’m not entirely sure,” He started messing with his lip ring again. Acxa flicked his cheek. 

“Don’t do that, you’ll fuck it up and I’ll have to repierce it,” She said. She glanced to the side.  “So, how will you get your information now?” She asked. 

“I have a friend who’s pretty smart with technology, I can ask her if she is willing to tap his phone. I came here to warn you, keep an eye out,” He said. 

“I’m not worried about a man like Harlow,” She said. 

Keith lifted his shirt up, showing the gauze on his chest, “Neither was I until he tried to gut me like a fish last night,” he said. Her eyes widened, following the bandage until he disappeared behind him

“I can hold my own, Keith. Does your brother know that happened?” 

“No, I had an excuse to leave the house without Shiro,” He yanked his shirt back down. 

“An excuse?” She questioned. 

“I have a fake boyfriend.” She quirked a brow, “He’s the uncle to Caridad, his name is Lance McClain, I told you about him.”

She doubled over in laughter. “Oh god, Keith,” She said between breaths, her hands resting on her knees. He had never seen her laugh this hard. Well, not since they graffitied the local racist guy’s house and he came out beating red and shouting slurs as they ran. That was fun. Just about a year ago.

They had met about four years ago when Keith had run away from his foster home– again– and they placed him at the cop station while they figured out where he came from. That’s where he met Axcx, who had also ran away from her family. She and him advised a plan to escape, they picked the cuffs with the bobby pin that was in her hair and ran as far as they could before a cop caught them. Then, she was a fifteen year old covered in bruises, now she was nineteen and glowed with joy.

The cop that caught them that day was Shiro. He couldn’t have predicted how much his life was going to change after that. 

“Is me having a boyfriend really that unbelievable?” He asked, crossing his arms tightly as a slight redness overcame his face. 

“No, it’s believable. I just…” She trailed off. “Remember that girlfriend I told you about?” She asked. 

“Your long distance girlfriend of two years?” 

“Yeah, her last name is also McClain, Veronica McClain. She has a little brother named Lance, who apparently just got a boyfriend.” 

Keith’s jaw dropped. “Are you fucking with me? Acxa is you’re fucking with me I swear to god,” he said. 

“No, I’m not,” She pulled out her phone and showed photos of the two of them together. It was the same exact girl who had been smacking Lance. “She recently moved back here and now I’m going over to her family's house tomorrow for dinner. They love me. This is so funny to me,” She said, still chuckling a little. 

Keith held a hand out, “Wait I’m going there too. This is a good thing because I really didn’t want to go but now that you’re there, it’ll be easier for me to get through,” He said, a smile on his face. 

“Well, I can help you as much as I can but I will be spending more time with my girlfriend than you,” Acxa said. 

“I know, I just feel better knowing you’ll be there,” He said.

“I know kid,” 

“I told you to stop calling me that, you’re barely two years older,” He said. 

“You’ll always be ‘kid’ to me,” She said. 

“Vigilante, your teas are ready!” Ezor shouted. 

“I’ll see you on Wednesday?” She asked and he nodded and silently thanked whatever deity there was for Acxa.

Chapter Text

Dahlias. 

Why did he pick dahlias?

He could have picked any other bouquet in the store, but he chose dahlias. And now he stands outside the McClain house, in jeans and an unstained black shirt with a flannel around his shoulders, holding a bouquet of dahlias. He would’ve turned around if he hadn’t impulsively rang the doorbell already. 

He could feel his palms sweating through his gloves and his temples following the queue, the sides of his bangs sticking to his face. Dahlias. Why did he pick dahlias?

“Coming!” A voice he didn’t recognize shouted. 

He knew it was too late to turn around and book it. Shiro had driven away a few minutes ago. He could call Matt and beg for him to come pick him up but then he would be ditching Acxa and Lance, and he would lose this chance to get closer to Lance’s family. 

A woman opened the door. She was shorter with tan skin and curly hair. She had the same short fringe as Lance, but the rest of her light brown hair fell to her shoulders. She had kind, deep blue eyes that widened at the sight of Keith. 

“Oh, you must be Keith,” She said, opening the door wider, a smile on her face. 

He nodded, “These are, uhm, for you,” He said, handing her the flowers. She took them and her smile expanded as she smelt them. 

“I love dahlias, did Lance tell you?” She asked. 

“No, it was just a guess.” No it wasn’t. 

“Well, thank you, they’re lovely. Come on in, we’re still setting up,” She said and Keith did so. He was immediately met with a strong smell of lavender and sage. He looked around and to his immediate left was a living room, behind it was a kitchen and in front of him was a staircase. 

He stood awkwardly at the door when he remembered the rule that both households share. He swiftly took off his shoes and placed them with the others. Lucky for him, he remembered matching socks today. 

“ Flaco, ven aca! Tu novio está aquí !” She shouted up the stairs. She turned back to Keith, “Oh, you know the rule,” She said, the smile she had on her face never seemed to falter. 

“Oh, yeah, Lance told me when he was at my house. We have the same rule.” Was he talking fast? He felt like he was. 

“Ah yes, Lance told me about that. He loved the food your brother ordered.” She looked up the staircase and didn’t see Lance coming down. “I don’t know where this boy is. Y'know what? Come with me to the kitchen, I'll get you something to drink while we wait for him to come down.” She said, waving for Keith to follow, which he did. He thinks if this woman told him to jump off a cliff he would do it. 

She tapped one of the stools that sat around the little kitchen island, he sat down, his back completely straight and his hands in his lap. 

“My husband is coming home late today, so he can’t make the dinner but I’m sure he’d love to meet you at another time,” She said, grabbing a glass from the cupboard. “But, all of my children and grandchildren are here. Lisa, my daughter in law, is picking up her kids from their afterschool program.” Keith was far too familiar with those. “And Luis went to grab some more drinks, my other children should be coming down any time now!” She said loudly. 

Keith winced a little. 

“Oh, sorry mijo ,” She said. “Water or juice?” She asked, holding up a pitcher of water and a jug of a juice he couldn’t read. 

“Water is good, thank you,” He said. 

“So you live with your brother?” She asked as she poured it. “Lance didn’t mention a mom or a dad,” She added. 

Keith glanced off to the side. He was not about to give his entire life story to her. Was he? 

… 

No? Probably not. His brain and mouth never agreed, it was a toss up. 

“I live with my adoptive brother, he has custody of me and he’s a good man– the captain of the police force here, actually,” He said. 

She handed him the cup, “That’s wonderful, I’d love to meet him,” She said. Keith started biting at his lip piercing, “Lance never brings anyone home, so when he suggested the idea, I was beyond thrilled,” She said, clapping her hands together. 

Keith froze for a moment, “It was his idea?” He asked. 

“Oh yes, he came to me the other night and asked to play it off as my idea. He’s such a loverboy,” She said, waving her hand. Keith felt his face grow hot, he should leave. “Anyway, you said you live with your brother, what about your–”

“Ma’ are you interrogating Keith?” A voice interrupted.

He turned his head and saw Veronica and, thank the deities, Acxa. She waved at him and he waved back. Veronica raised an eyebrow. 

“You know Keith?” She asked, turning to her girlfriend. 

“He’s a regular at Vrepit Sa’s,” Acxa quickly explained. “We’re really good friends,” She said and Keith nodded. 

“She makes a mean Jasmine Tea,” He said, taking a large ship of water. It’s a good thing Acxa is good at coming up with lies. She saved their asses so many times when they were younger and almost got caught. 

“Hey Violeta , I didn’t even see you come in” Mrs. McClain said, pulling Acxa into a quick hug. “Oh I love your hair! It looks beautiful.”

“Thank you, Mrs. McClain,” Acxa said, smiling brightly at her. Keith had never seen this side of Acxa, it was very domestic. He took another gulp of water, it was helping him calm down. 

Mrs. McClain turned to her daughter, “ Espejuela , where is Flaco ? Where are the rest of my children? Racheal, Marco, and Anna said they would help cook,” Mrs. McClain said, placing her hands on her hips. “And now, they’re not here and food will be late.”

“I think he’s filming right now and I’ll remind the rest,” Veronica said. “Keith, I’ll show you where Lance’s room is, you can hang out in there,” She said, reaching down and holding Acxa’s hand. 

“Door stays open!” Mrs. McClain shouted as they walked. 

“Ay, Ma’s don’t be gross,” Veronica said. 

“I don’t want teenagers being gross in my house!”

Keith took another gulp of water before following the two upstairs. Multiple family photos lined the walls, mostly of babies, there were a few accomplishments; promotions, graduations, honor roll. One of the ones that stuck out to Keith was one of Lance, it was a photo of a much younger version, a large grin with a chipped tooth, he was holding a sign that said “Perfect Attendance,” in large cursive print with his name scribbled across the bottom. 

“He was so cute, I don’t know what happened,” Veronica joked when she noticed Keith had stopped to stare. “It’s slanted because he hung it up himself,” She said, adjusting it. Keith hadn’t even noticed. 

Keith didn’t say anything and followed them to the second floor. It was one long hallway with multiple doors. Each door was decorated with different designs and names. There was one at the very end and Keith clocked it as Lance because of the bright blue color it had been half-painted. 

He followed them to the end of the hall, passing cupboards and an open door, which was the bathroom. On the front of the floor door, sloppily written in pencil said “Lance and Marco, keep out!!” in all capitals. 

“It says keep out,” Keith noted quietly. 

Veronica glanced at Keith and raised her brows, “You don’t have siblings do you?” She asked. Before he could answer, she opened the door, revealing the room. 

It was somewhat large, with two beds on opposite sides and a few boxes in the middle of the room. One bed was well made with two people sitting on it, talking quietly, a few photos along the walls and directly in front of it was a dresser with some old stickers on it. 

The two people waved before continuing their conversation. It was a boy with hair just a little shorter than Keith's. He had some scruff on his chin but a definite baby face, he looked just like the older man he had seen in the photos. The girl next to him had blood red hair and a smile on her face as she spoke to him. 

and then there was the other side. 

The bed was somewhat made, the space themed blankets thrown haphazardly around the bed, a half-hung bisexual pride flag right above the bed, a few scattered posters around the walls, the nightstand was littered with random objects. In front of the bed, was a desk where Lance sat with headphones in. He had a sheet mask on his face and there was a camera in front of him, angled just enough for the other people to be out of shot. 

He looked up from his seat, he was in the middle of applying some serum. 

“Oh, you’re here,” Lance said, scrambling to turn the camera off. He attempted to lean casually against the desk, but instead he just knocked some stuff over and scrambled to pick it up. Acxa glanced back at Keith, clearly holding back a laugh, Keith shook his head. 

“Ma’ has been shouting for you,” Veronica said, placing a hand on her hip.

Lance gave a nervous smile. “I couldn’t hear her,” He said. 

“She’s very upset, and Conejo ,” She turned her fiery glare to her other brother. He gave the same nervous smile to his big sister. “You and Anna are supposed to be downstairs helping her, you promised,” She said. 

“Oh crap, we forgot” the girl now known as Anna said. She turned to the boy and started shoving him off the bed. “Marco, we gotta go, I love cooking with your mom!” She said. Before Marco could even catch his balance, he was being dragged past the three people and down the hall.

“ Flaco , entertain your boyfriend, the poor boy was being interrogated by Ma’,” Veronica said and that’s when Keith noticed Lance’s eyes hadn’t left him. 

“He’s fine,” Lance said, waving his hand. “Ma’ isn’t that bad.”

Veronica raised an eyebrow at him. “ Lance , it’s our mother,” her voice narrowed. “Do you remember what happened with Acxa and Anna?” A shiver ran down Acxa’s spine and she shook it off. 

“Yeah, yeah, go sit down Mullet,” Lance said, pointing in a random direction. Keith walked a little further in the room and just awkwardly stood there, staring at the floor and rocking on his heels.

“Right, well Acxa and I will be in my room, Ma’ says the door stays open, so don’t be nasty,” She said and before Lance could process what she said, she left.

“Hey!” He shouted, “I don’t do gross things!” He was yelling at an empty hallway and Keith laughed a little. 

His desk was covered in miscellaneous objects– wireless earbuds, a few pencils, and a ton of random skincare products. There was a large circle light in front of his mirror that propped up his phone and lit up his room.

“Why didn’t you text me?” Lance asked, turning to Keith. 

“I assumed knocking would be fine and then your mom yelled, very loudly and in Spanish,” He said, still standing in the middle of the room. 

“Well, I’m filming so if you just want to sit, I’ll make sure you’re not on camera,” Lance said, turning back around. Keith did so, sitting down on Lance’s bed and crossing his legs. He glanced over at Lance, who was attempting to adjust the camera. 

“What are you filming?” Keith asked. He decided to pull out his phone and play his favorite game. 

“Another GRWM,” Lance answered. “This time it’s ‘getting ready for a family dinner’.” He said, raising his hands in the air as he spoke. 

“You film a lot of those,” Keith noted. 

“It’s what my audience likes and I have fun with it,” Lance said, tilting his head around at the camera. “If you wanna be out of the camera shot, you might want to lay down, the angle is high enough but not that high,” He said. 

Keith did so. In his defense, Lance’s bed was comfortable, it had many soft blankets just thrown about, which felt nice against his back– it still hurt a little when he laid down, but he didn’t have to wear the gauze anymore. And it smelled of Lance’s soap, which was a scent he was starting to not mind. Keith held his arms up and continued to play the game. 

“Your arms are in the shot,” Lance pointed. 

“I really don’t care if I’m on camera, as long as it’s not my face,” Keith said. He really didn’t care if his face was on social media, he just didn’t want it on Lance’s. He wouldn’t want to deal with that when this was all over. He let out a loud breath, he also didn’t want to think about that right now. 

“Do you care if I mention you? If not the comments will literally only be that,” Lance said. 

“Mention me?”

“Like, just call you my boyfriend, I won’t say your name,” Lance said. “Racheal is insistent that having a boyfriend in my videos will raise my views.”

“You don’t say my name in the first place,” Keith grumbled as he continued playing. 

“Whatever, just shush,” Lance said, aimlessly waving his hand at Keith before pressing the record button. “So now the mask is ready to be taken off.” Keith turned his head to the side and saw Lance making many hand motions at the camera. His tone hadn’t changed one bit.

 “I do have to hurry though, because if you see those arms in the back, that’s my boyfriend– wave mi alma.” Keith waved a little. “The fucker got here early,” Lance noted, slowly sliding off the mask. Keith’s wave turned into the middle finger. 

“God I love these masks,” Lance said, ignoring Keith’s hand. The camera was just above the bottom of the mirror and Keith could see the way his skin glowed in the mirror. Keith’s eyes were fixed on it, he looked golden. “They are linked in my bio, if you guys want to buy them! All profits from Altean Cosmetics are going to Altea’s Sexual Assault Awareness Center,” Lance said. “And they will make your skin shine and shimmer while helping people.”

Lance looked natural doing this, each word and movement flowed easily out of his mouth. Keith turned back to his phone and noticed the round was over and he lost. He started playing again, listening to Lance as background noise. 

“And then, for those who are extra dry, like myself, I have this moisturizer from my mom’s room, I’m pretty sure it’s Altean Cosmetics forty-eight hour softness, but I could be wrong. Give me one moment for this to dry.” He was fanning himself as he pressed pause on the video.

“Mullet, come over here,” Lance said. 

“Why?”

“We’re going to do a cute shot of you putting my moisturizer on,” He said, still waving for Keith to go to him. 

“I don’t know how to do that. Why am I doing that?”

“If you want this to be believable, my sisters have to believe it. Rach’ and ‘Nica aren’t going to believe it if you’re not in my videos,” Lance said. 

Keith huffed, exiting his game and pulling himself up. He stood in front of Lance with his arms crossed. Lance grabbed his hip and tugged him forward, he glanced over at the camera, ensuring his face was too far up to be in frame. 

Lance looked up at Keith, his eyes a little wide when he realized he never moved his hand. Keith would feel the warmth of it through his jeans. His bangs fell in his face as he looked down at Lance, his usual smile was replaced with slightly parted lips. He was close enough to count his freckles again, to see the different shades of blue that complied to make that bright blue color. For a moment he saw Lance’s eyes flicker down, just for a split second, if he had blinked he would’ve missed it. 

“You should probably press record, Lance,” Keith said, clearing his throat and immediately regretting his words as Lance moved his hand to open the moisturizer. 

“Right.” Lance didn’t look away as he spoke, staring into the jar. “You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to,” He said as he pressed it. He held the jar out to Keith. “So, you just take two fingers and take a bit and then rub it in,” Lance said and his grin came flying back as he looked back up at Keith. 

Keith rolled his eyes and did so, being careful to not get any on his gloves. He gently rubbed it into Lance’s skin. It was a weird feeling to Keith, but he liked the way Lance’s skin felt. It was already soft and clear, it felt nice against his fingertips. 

Keith knew he had a few acne scars, he never bothered to take much care of his skin and neither did most of his foster parents. The most he does now is use a face wash Shiro had bought him. He didn’t want it to go to waste.

“ Mi alma , that’s my eyebrow,” Lance said as Keith’s finger grazed some over his eyebrow.

“Does it not go there?” Keith’s voice was barely above a whisper. 

“Not usually,” He said, chuckling a little as he wiped it off his brow.

“Well, how was I supposed to know?” Keith mumbled, a small pout on his face. 

“ Flaco, ‘lita se dice – oh, I didn’t know you were busy.” 

They both turned toward the door. A girl stood there, she was on the shorter side with long curly brown hair, it had a few scattered pink streaks in it. She had some pajama pants on and a loose t-shirt that hung off part of her shoulder. The detail that made Keith realize who it is, was the eyes. They were the exact shape and shade of blue as Lance’s. They were identical beside the fact that she had dark circles under her eyes. 

“Oh, it’s okay,” Lance said, quickly shutting off the camera. “This is Keith, the boyfriend I told you about,” He said, finishing up his skin care. Keith only missed a few spots. “Mullet, this is Cari, my niece,” Lance said, watching his tone with the way he said it. 

Caridad McClain. Keith held in his breath, he didn’t want to say the wrong thing. 

Caridad looked Keith up and down, not a single emotion in  her face, “I like your piercings,” She said, glancing off to the side. 

“Thanks, a friend did them,” He said, fiddling with them. “I’ve been meaning to get more.”

“Your friend did it? Did it hurt?” She asked, her eyes widening a little with excitement. 

“Don’t get any ideas,” Lance said as closed off his moisturizer. 

Keith smiled a little, “It didn’t, my friend used an ice cube to numb my lips,” He said. 

“I want to do that. I’ve seen that one movie where they did it with their  ears and it was so cool!” She said, a smile on her face. 

“You’re not getting a lip piercing,” Lance said. She pouted, even her pout matched Lance’s. “What did my Ma’ say?” He asked. 

“Oh, she told me to tell you that food is almost done and she needs someone to distract the kids while she finishes,” Caridad explained. 

“Why not ‘Nica? Or Rach’?”

“She said she’s busy with her girlfriend and Racheal is helping cook.”

Lance groaned. “But the slobber demons are always trying to kill me,” He said, standing up regardless. 

“Don’t call my siblings slobber demons, only I’m allowed to be mean to them,” Caridad crossed her arms, jutting a hip out. “C’mon Flaco , let’s go,” She said. 

Lance looked over at Keith with a confused look. Keith shrugged, following Caridad down the stairs. Lance stood for a moment, very confused before following the two. Keith glanced at the family photos again as he walked, staring a little longer at Lance’s perfect attendance one. 

In the living room, an older guy sat with a woman, two small kids running around the couch, borderline in the kitchen, which was filled with the fresh smell of food. Mrs. McClain was mixing something while Marco, Anna, and another girl were folding tamales. Keith deducted the last girl, who looked like a younger, tanner version of their mother to be Racheal. 

They all stopped their movements– except the kids, who were still running– and stared at Caridad with widened expressions. She glanced around at them and Keith could hear her heart beating from behind her. 

“ Mija , you’re down here,” The woman on the couch noted. Keith recognized her curly hair from after the movie night last week. Lance’s sister in law, Lisa. 

“Oh, uh I was going to help Flaco and his boyfriend watch the kids outside,” she said slowly, motioing behind her to Keith and Lance. “Is that okay?” She asked, glancing around still at all the unmoving people. Keith noticed the dahlias were in a vase on the dining table.

Lisa’s expression relaxed, a look of relief washing over her face. “Of course, have fun,” She said, a smile across her face. 

The older guy spoke, Luis was his name, if Keith was guessing right, “Nadia, Slyvio, go with your tío outside,” He said. The kids ignored Lance, Keith and Caridad and instead booked it through the kitchen and out the back door, the younger boy struggled with the sliding door a little but eventually got it. The two boys quickly followed Caridad outside as the rest went back to what they were doing. 

The outside air hit directly in his face, he felt the cool air wash over him, he hadn’t realized how warm he was. The fake grass was soft against his socks, he felt the little blades against the bottom of them. Usually it bothered him, but it didn’t today. He was grateful for that. 

The backyard wasn’t massive but it was enough space for the younger boy– Sylvio– to tug Lance around and force him to play tag. Threw was a fence lining the backyard and Keith could see a mountain range behind it, the stars lighting up the sky. He glanced down and noticed Nadia standing between him and Caridad, her hands on her hips, pouting. 

Keith should have mentioned that he’s not great with kids. It’s not that he can’t take care of them, he knows how to take care of children, he’s had a handful of younger foster siblings before. He just didn’t know how to talk to them. To be fair, he didn’t really know how to talk to anyone. 

Caridad leaned down to her level, “I bet tío Lance wouldn’t be able to win if both of you were chasing him,” She said. 

“But Slyvio said I’m slow,” Nadia said, her lip jutting out. 

“Ay, what does Slyvio know? Y’know girls are much faster than boys, go prove it,” She said, tapping her sister's arm. Nadia smiled with a large nod before running after Lance with her brother. She motioned for Keith to follow her to a small set of chairs that were outside, they sat down on the cold seats and Keith felt a shiver run up his spine. 

He crossed his arms while he watched Lance jog around, dodging his niece and nephew. He turned to Caridad, who was doing the same, her blue eyes following the little ones. 

“So, why do you guys call Lance that name?” He asked. 

“ Flaco ?” She questioned, not looking at Keith, but she could tell he nodded. “Well, we all have nicknames around here. My dad is Gordito , which means chubby but in a loving way. My mom is Guera , ’cause she’s pale. Slyvio is Balito , because he’s a little ball of energy. Nadia is Chisma because she likes hearing drama.”

Keith listened, a part of him wanted to know about Lance’s family. He didn’t just want to use them to catch Harlow, they were people. They deserved to be known, to be heard, to be understood. So he would listen and retain. 

“Veronica is Espejuela , she’s the only one with glasses, Acxa’s is Violeta, her hair. Marco is Conejo because he used to have buck teeth and his girlfriend is Fiera also because of her hair. Racheal is Conchi because she’s pretty. And Lance is Flaco because he’s skinny. My abuelita gives us nicknames and they’re all meant with love. If you don’t have a nickname by the end of today, she probably doesn’t like you,” Caridad explained, the words flowing out of her mouth so quickly that Keith could barely keep up. 

Keith tried making as many mental notes as possible, “Do you have one?” He asked, turning to her. 

“ Carro , because my name is Caridad , and my ‘Lita likes to make jokes,” She said with a small huff. 

Keith tried remembering how to talk to people without being rude. He usually didn’t mean to, he was just used to Pidge and Shiro, who understood his dry tone wasn’t meant as disrespectful. 

“I heard you’re having a quince next week,” He asked. 

She nodded, “Yeah, my mom wanted the whole big dress, crown, and party thing. I just want to make her happy,” She said. 

“You’re not excited for it?” he spared a glance at her and noticed the look in her eyes. The blue had dimmed a little. 

“I’m more nervous than anything. My chambelanes are more Racheal’s friends than mine and I found out some of my damas have been saying stuff behind my back. So I had to drop them.” She was fiddling with his fingers as she spoke. “It’s next Saturday and I have to find replacement damas and hopefully they’ll have the dance routine down.”

Keith knew about quinceañeras. It was one of those really niche things he discovered while in the foster system. The largest family he’s ever lived with was the Rojas’ when he was eleven, who let Keith be a part of the quince court as a chambelan. It was stressful to say the least, but he had fun. But he ran away shortly after that, the parents had accidentally told their kids about his disciplinary record. He didn’t wait to see their reactions to the things he had done.

“Sorry, I don’t mean to rant,” She said. 

“I don’t mind listening,” Keith assured. He really didn’t. His attention turned back to Lance, who had somehow been tackled to the grass, Nadia and Slyvio taking turns throwing their entire body weight onto him. Lance let out a huff and groaned each time but didn’t bother getting up. 

“I thought you two were going to help!” Lance complained right before Nadia jumped on him. He let out a pained groan. 

“Looks like you’re going great on your own,” Keith grinned. 

“I like you,” Caridad said, holding out her hand in a fistbump. 

“Thanks,” He said, fist bumping her. 

She turned with a little smile on her face. “Do you want to come to my quince? Acxa and Anna are going, so you should too,” Caridad asked. 

“Oh, uh-”

“You don’t have to,” She quickly added, turning away from Keith. 

“No– no. I’d love to,” He said. “Thank you, I’ll come.” Slick Keith. Real slick. 

He was going to bring it up. But he barely knew her still. He needed more. She needed to know something about him. 

“Want to know a secret?” He whispered, leaning in. 

“What?” She asked, wide eyes. 

“Acxa is the one who pierced my lip,” He said under his breath. 

Caridad’s jaw dropped, “No way, as in…?” She trailed off and Keith nodded with a smirk. She squealed. “Of course the two coolest people I've ever met know each other!” She said, hope filling her eyes. 

She thinks Keith is cool? 

A small feeling of warmth passed over his face. 

“How do you two know each other?” She asked. 

He froze. He couldn’t tell her. Not after she looked at him the way she did, with all that hope. He couldn’t take that from her. 

“We met at the coffee shop she works at and became friends. She did it at my house one night when she came over. They’re supposed to be matching but she preferred gold and I wanted black ones,” Keith said, following Acxa's lie. 

“You think if I ask her, she’ll pierce mine too?” Caridad asked, showing off her McClain grin. 

Keith laughed a little, “I don’t think so and besides, I got in a lot of trouble for doing mine. My brother almost tore it out of my lip when he saw it,” He said, vividly remembering the look of pure anger on Shiro’s face. Acxa is not allowed at their house anymore because of it. She said it was worth it because they looked cool. He agreed. 

“My uncles would tear it out,” She noted. “Maybe I’ll ask my mom to get it professionally done,” She said. 

“That’s a better idea,” He agreed. He made a lot of stupid mistakes growing up, he didn’t want the same to happen to Caridad. She had been through too much. 

“Guys!” Lance shouted. “Break time! Tío Lance is tired,” He said, trugging over to the chairs and plopping himself down on the one next to Keith. The little ones whined but then quickly began to chase each other instead. 

“They wore you out,” Keith said with a smirk. 

“Shut it, mullet,” Lance sighed, leaning back with his eyes closed as he attempted to catch his breath. Keith rolled his eyes. 

“So, Flaco , I asked Keith to come to my quince and he said yes,” Caridad said, her eyes still on her little siblings. Lance immediately sat up, looking over at Keith. 

“He did?” Lance questioned and Keith nodded. “Of course he did,” Lance said, playing it off as best he could. 

“So make sure you send him the information,” She added.

“Yeah… I will,” He said, still looking at Keith with an odd expression. Keith just shrugged. Was he supposed to say no?

“Food is ready!” Mrs. McClain shouted from inside. 

The first to run inside were the kids, then Lance, who dragged Keith behind him and then Caridad who slid the door closed behind them. 

They all sat down at a large table between the kitchen and the dining room. There was a smaller one off to the side where Slyvio, Nadia, Caridad, and Lisa sat– she was insistent on sitting with her children so Keith could sit at the adult table. Keith sat at the end, to his right was Lance and to his left was Acxa, who had offered to switch seats with Veronica because she doesn’t like sitting at the end. 

In front of him was Veronica, whose eyes were fixed on Acxa the entire time. Mrs. McClain, with the help of Racheal, Anna, and Marco, had prepared a spread of food, tamales, fried sweet plantains, rice and beans. Keith could barely hold himself back from drooling at the smell of it. 

Keith joined them in a small prayer, he wasn’t religious obviously but he didn't want to disrespect theirs. He just stayed quiet and kept his head down while they said their words and moved on. 

They all began eating and so did Keith. He was practically foaming at the mouth. He loves good cooks. He would definitely say her cooking is better than Adam’s. He should ask to come over again just for the food. 

“So, Keith, how did you meet Lance?” Anna asked from her seat next to Veronica and across from Lance. Mrs. McClain stopped her conversation with Luis to listen in. 

Keith, who had a mouth full of food looked over to Lance. 

“We met in Chemistry class, ironically,” Lance grinned. “I wooed him,” He said proudly. 

Keith swallowed thickly, “No he didn’t. He annoyed me,” Keith corrected, side eyeing him. “He talks a lot, Mrs. McClain,” He said. 

“He gets that from me,” She said with the same pride Lance had. 

“But he thought I was cute,” Lance added. Right. They’re supposed to be dating. 

“I did. He talks a lot but I thought it was sweet that he was trying so hard,” Keith said, taking another bite. 

“He didn’t say yes right away but he eventually did,” Lance added, leaning over and kissing his cheek. Keith wasn’t expecting that and he didn’t think Lance was expecting himself to do that either. He felt his face grow a little warm at it, the feeling of Lance’s lips against his skin seemed to burn deep into his memory.

“That cute,” Anna said with a smile, sipping her water. “Does Lance ask you for help a lot with classes?”

“Hey! I’m not stupid, I don’t need his help,” Lance grumbled. 

“Yes,” Keith answered. The family aspect of the family dinner wasn’t too bad. The other family dinners he had been to were silent, the only sound was utensils clanking against plates with unseasoned food. 

“You do well in school?” Mrs. McClain chirped. 

“Straight A’s, “Keith said. It wasn’t a lie. 

“You have straight A’s? No way!” Lance said, turning to him. “Show me, proof or it didn;t happen,” He recited and a few of his family members rolled their eyes. Keith pulled out his phone and showed his online gradebook to Lance, who dropped his fork in shock. His grades weren’t something he bragged about, he knew they were good, it just wasn’t what was most important to him. 

“Let me see,” Veronica said.Keith flashed the phone toward her. “You’re taking three Advanced Placement classes?” She asked. 

“Oh, yeah. AP English Language, AP Japanese, and AP U.S History,” He said, listing them off before taking another bite of food. He could feel eyes on him. He glanced at Acxa, who had a small smile on her face. She was the real one who motivated him to take the other to AP classes. 

“Are you Japanese?” Luis asked, earning a small smack on the back from his wife, who was standing to get the little ones more food. 

“No, I’m Korean, my brother is Japanese though,” He said. 

“The one you live with, right?” Mrs. McClain asked. He nodded. “Do your parents agree with you living there?” She asked. Keith felt his mouth become impossibly dry.

Acxa dropped her fork loudly, pretending to accidentally knock over Keith’s water, which spilled all over his lap. Keith's hands shot up in the air. Just for effect, she also started coughing when all eyes fell on her, tucking her head in her arm. “Oh my– I’m so sorry, something got caught in my throat,” She said, tapping her throat a little. “Keith, let's get you cleaned up,” She said, standing. 

Veronica gave her a weird look but Keith followed anyway. He was going to have to dry the water off his pants regardless. He followed her to the back of the kitchen where the paper towels were. She handed him a few and stepped in close. 

“I know she can ask a lot of questions,” Acxa mumbled. 

“You didn’t have to get my jeans wet,” Keith said under his breath. 

“You need to get out of here, she’s going to catch on.”

“No, she won’t. My parents being dead is not something I’m ashamed of, Acxa, and it’s not a give away,” He kept his voice low as he pressed against his pants, trying to soak up as much water as he could.

“I know, Keith. But she can tell when you're lying. So unless you want this family to know–”

“Acxa, is everything okay?” Veronica asked, appearing behind them. “You’re acting weird.”

She smiled brightly, “Of course, my love,” She said. “I’m just so used to helping Keith when he spills drinks, it happens a lot at work.” Keith nodded. He had really happened a few times. 

“I’m not stupid, Acxa,” Veronica snapped. “Don’t treat me like I am.”

“I’m not, it’s the truth, I didn’t mean to spill water on the kid,” She said, Keith could hear the defensiveness coming out in her voice. He heard it with rude customers and cops. 

“It’s okay, let’s go sit down, I’m fine,” Keith said, waving Acxa off as he dried the last bits of water. He didn’t want to ruin her relationship in the process. 

They walked in front of him and he quietly sat, not making eye contact with anyone. He felt Lance’s eyes on him the entire time though, all the way until he sat back down, trying to ignore his damp jeans. He hated damp denim, one of his biggest sensory issues. 

“You okay?” He asked in a mumble. Keith nodded. 

Though Acxa’s attempt to change the conversation were very effortful, they were also futile, as Mrs. McClain immediately took a large sip of her wine and turned to face Keith again. 

“About your parents?” She asked. While kind, Mrs. McClain was also relentless. 

“They aren’t in the picture,” He said, taking another bite of food. Keep it simple Keith. 

“Why is that?” Her question had no ill intention behind it and he could tell she was only just curious but the question made his chest fill with air and his heart pound in his head. 

“Ma’ that’s a little invasive,” Lance said with a small laugh. Keith let out a little bit of air at the sound of Lance’s voice.

Mrs. McClain sighed, “Well, if he’s going to be in this family, I want to know more about him. Like, where did you come from?” She asked, leaning forward a little. 

“I was born in Texas but I’ve been around,” He didn’t realize he answered until the words were already out of his mouth. 

“See, he doesn’t mind answering,” She said, she spoke with her hands, the same way Lance did. 

“Okay, maybe questions like that but he’s obviously not comfortable with that question,” Lance argued.

“If he is, he can tell me that himself,” She said, turning to Keith, her arms resting on the table. 

Keith didn’t look at her, instead he stared at the frilly tablecloth, trying his best to ignore the eyes looking through him. He almost preferred the silent dinners. He didn’t want to explain his life story to this woman just to have to extract himself from their life when this was over. Too many people know about it already, he didn’t need anymore people understanding why he was the way he was. He didn’t need the sweet Mrs. McClain to know his dad died and his mom left him. She didn’t need to know that for any reason. 

His phone started going off in his pocket, he instinctively pulled it out. The name appeared, Adam , Shiro had given it to him in case of emergencies. “I have to answer this,” He said, scooting out of his chair and walking toward the front door. He felt eyes on his back still, waiting for him. 

“Keith?” Adam’s voice came through his phone, it was cracked and he could hear it in Adam’s voice. 

“What’s wrong?” He asked.

“It’s Shiro, he’s in the hospital.” 

Keith’s phone hit the floor.

Chapter Text

His phone had slipped out of his hand and fell to the floor. His eyes were fixed on the wall in front of him, his mind was empty and filled at the same time– it felt like it was going to explode. He wasn’t sure if he heard Adam correctly, a large part of him hoped he miss heard. 

“ Keith ?!” He heard from the floor. 

He scrambled to pick it up. 

“Which hospital? What happened? Is he okay?” He asked. 

“Altea Memorial, he’s just got out of a surgery, do you need a ride–” Keith hung up and immediately began slipping on his shoes. He’d run there if he needed to. 

“Mullet, what’s going on?”

He heard Lance but didn’t turn around. 

“I have to go– Shiro’s in the hospital, I have to leave,” He spat quickly, not even tying his shoes before he opened the door. 

“Keith! Slow down!” He heard Acxa shout. He was at the end of the driveway when he felt a hand on his shoulder,  only then stopping his movements. He tugged his shoulder out of her grip and turned toward her. 

“Acxa, back off,” He said. She gripped onto his shoulder again, this time not letting go. 

“Cut the shit, Keith. How the hell are you going to get there?” She asked, her eyes narrowing on him. He saw Veronica walking out the door, making a bee-line to Acxa. 

“I’ll figure it out,” He said, turning around. 

Acxa groaned, “Get your dumb ass in my car, I’ll take you,” She said, grabbing the back of his flannel and pulling him with her to the car parked on the street. He stumbled a bit, but she continued to drag him and slightly threw him against the door of her jeep wrangler. He hadn’t noticed it there before. 

“Acxa, what’s going on!?” Veronica shouted. 

“His brother is in the hospital, I’m taking him,” Acxa said, walking around to the driver's side. Keith quickly slid in the car, he knew better than to argue with her. 

Veronica furrowed her brows, “You barely know him!” As she spoke, Lance hopped in the back seat.

“What the fuck are you doing, Lance?” Keith asked, turning back.

Lance slammed the door closed and slid on his seat belt. “Coming with. Don’t argue,” He stated. Keith would have, he would have shoved Lance out of the car if he wasn’t in a rush. 

“I know him enough to want to help, Veronica, you of all people should know that better than anyone,” Acxa said, starting her car. Veronica stepped back, her eyes filled with thought. 

Acxa glanced at her one more time. “Stay safe, let me know what happens,” Veronica said, and she nodded, speeding off. 

Keith’s fingertips felt thumb and his legs felt like jelly even as he sat. The only thing he could confidently say he felt was the a/c blasting against his face. He heard Lance shuffling in the backseat. He didn’t care, the only thing running through his mind was Shiro. 

“What did Adam say exactly?” Acxa asked. 

“You know Adam?” Lance questioned. 

“He said that Shiro is at Altea Memorial.” Acxa made a sharp left. 

“Did he say what happened?” 

“Just that he’s in surgery, I hung up because I needed to go, I need to see it,” Keith said. His eyes were locked on the road ahead of them, it was a blur of lights around him. 

“I’m sure he’s okay, Keith. Remember last year when he got shot in the arm? He’s strong, he’ll push through.”

“How long have you two known each other?” Lance asked. 

“Yeah, but now he’s taking medication to control the muscle spasms, his arm is in constant pain,” Keith jabbed. 

“It’s better than being dead.” 

“Why is no one answering my questions?” Lance interjected again. 

Keith and Acxa groaned simultaneously. “ Lance ,” They said together and Lance slumped in his seat. 

“Why is he here?” Acxa asked, another sharp left into a parking lot. 

“I don’t know,” Keith said. 

“Moral support, I am your boyfriend.”

Keith rolled his eyes, “Fake boyfriend, Lance, Acxa knows.”

Lance threw his arms in the air. “What?! Why?!” 

“She’s basically my sister,” Keith said, sliding out of the car as soon as Acxa parked. 

“Aw, that’s sweet, kid,” She said, following behind him. Lance clambered behind. Keith was practically running into the building. 

“So, does my sister know?” 

“It’s better for both of us that she doesn’t. She can’t know Keith and I are friends, it will only put her in danger. Understand, Flaco ?” Acxa said, towering over Lance. 

Lance gave another anxious smile and quickly nodded. “Yes, ma’am,” he said, mimicking a salute. He seemed to connect dots in his head. “Are you the source for Harlow? The old source?” 

Acxa didn’t answer and simply followed Keith inside the E.R. He went up to the front desk, ignoring the people who gave him weird looks as he stomped up there. He could see a few officers he recognized from the station but walked right past them. The receptionist looked up at him, his blond hair was tied into a tight bun and Keith could see it pulling at her scalp. 

“How can I help you?” She asked. 

“My brother– Takashi Shirogane, he’s here, I need to see him,” Keith said quickly. 

The receptionist looked up at him through her glasses while typing on her computer. 

“What’s your relationship? Do you have an ID?” She asked, her tone calm as she stopped typing. 

Keith huffed, “He’s my legal guardian and adoptive brother,” He said, yanking out his wallet and handing her his vertical. Shiro had gotten it for him a while back because he kept getting arrested. She looked it over, her hazel eyes glancing to Keith and then back to the computer. 

“Do you have any proof of your relationship? I cannot release any information without evidence,” She said, handing him back his ID. 

“No, I don’t! Why would I have that– he’s my brother, he’s here, his boyfriend is here too. Adam Warsi,” Keith said. 

The woman slid off her glasses, “Look, I can’t tell you anything without proof.”

Keith was two seconds away from running into one of the doors and looking for Shiro himself. 

“I am his brother , just tell me where he is!” Keith said, he turned to book it past the doors but stopped. Adam stood there, a doctor next to him, a tear stained face. Keith felt his heart drop, he could feel it beating in his ears. 

“You can let him in, that’s his brother,” Adam said, crossing his arms. 

“Can you sign for that?” The receptionist asked, crossing her arms. 

“Yes, I can. You can let the other two back as well,” He added, waving for them to follow him. The rectionship sighed, turning back to her computer. In seconds, Keith was walking through the halls with Adam next to him, he knew Acxa and Lance were close behind them but he didn’t bother glancing back. 

“What happened?” Keith asked. His voice was just under his breath, he almost didn’t want to know. 

“They found him in the parking lot at the grocery store down the street, he listed me as his emergency contact,” Adam said as they entered an elevator. “He was shot, the doctors said it’s bad–”

Keith’s mouth went dry, every single intrusive thought that had ever gone through his head started screaming at him– telling him they were right. He shouldn't have gone to dinner, he should have gone with Shiro to the store–his brother was more important than anything else. 

“-but he’ll be okay,” Adam finished. 

Keith’s mind was still running even as they exited the elevator and walked through the halls. By the time they entered the dark room, his heart was a part of his digestive system now. Shiro laid there, still asleep while a doctor checked over his IV bag. Keith shoved past Adam and hugged him, he didn’t care if he was sleeping, he needed to hug his brother. 

He stayed like that, holding onto Shiro and half-laying on the bed. His face was shoved into his shoulder. It smelled like a cleaner and rubbing alcohol– he hated hospitals– even the air around him felt dry– he hated being in a hospital again. 

“Don’t cry, kid, I don’t die easily.”

Keith looked up– he hadn’t realized he was crying– and Shiro blinked a little from the lights. “How dare you get yourself shot!” Keith said. He would’ve punched him in the shoulder if it weren’t for the doctor standing there. “I told you last year that if you get shot again, I’ll kill you,” He said. 

“I wasn’t on duty this time!” Shiro defended, a small cough coming out after. 

The doctor cleared her throat, “Well, how is the pain? Do you need any more medication?” She asked, looking over the clipboard in her hands. 

Shiro shook his head, “Nothing I can’t handle. Thank you,” He said, a faint smile on his face. Keith could see the slight twitch of his lip– something that happened when he was lying. Keith stood up, his eyes were fixed on Shiro’s right chest, he was mostly covered by a blanket but he could see there was gauze wrapped around it. 

“My attending will be here to speak with you shortly about the procedure we did and our aftercare plan. The police were also called and may want to speak with you, if that’s alright?

“That is,” He said. He was their boss afterall. 

“I’ll send them in. Press the red button if you need anything ,” She smiled, waving as she walked away, in a seeming rush. 

Shiro’s eyes were very tired as he skimmed over the group. Everyone– except for Lance, who’s eyes were on Keith– had their eyes on him. His eyes froze when he saw Acxa. 

“You’re here,” He noted, no anger in his tone. His eyes briefly flashed to Keith’s lip piercings before going back to her. Keith knew he was still angry about it but there was forgiveness within his eyes. 

“I am.” Her arms were crossed but there was no anger in her tone either. 

“Yeah,” Lance interjected, dragging out the H’s. “She’s my sister’s girlfriend and drove us here,” He said.

“She did?” Shiro asked, glancing at Keith, who nodded. “Safely?” Another nod. “And why is your boyfriend here?” An eye roll and a shrug. 

“I wanted to make sure Mullet and you were okay,” He said, glancing off to the side. 

“That’s sweet Lance,” Shiro said, nudging Keith. 

“What happened?” Keith asked, ignoring the nudge. 

“It’s mostly a blur but I remember putting the groceries in the car and I heard someone talking behind me so I turned around. Next thing I remember is being in an ambulance with EMTs around me, saying I was shot,” He explained. “Is someone picking up the car?”

“Don’t worry about the car, babe,” Adam said, now standing at his side. 

“Can you ask Matt to pick it up from the station?”

“He doesn’t listen,” Adam said, turning to Keith. Adam took his phone and walked into the hallway to call Matt anyway. 

“No, he doesn’t,” Keith said, smiling. He was alive. That’s all Keith really cared about. Well, he was still going to find the son of bitch who shot him and probably kill him, but Shiro being alive was the most important thing at the moment. 

“Now I know where Guy-liner gets it from,” Lance snorted, earning a glare. In Lance’s defense, he was wearing eyeliner on his waterline. 

“I don’t listen to you because you annoy me,” Keith said. 

“But I’m your boyfriend!” Oh Lance was milking this.

“That doesn’t mean I have to listen to you.”

“You could at least acknowledge my words.”

“That’s listening.”

“No it’s not!”

Keith groaned and Lance huffed. 

There were two police officers who walked in. Keth recognized them, Lieutenant Palacios and Detective Washbur. They shoved past Acxa to get to Shiro’s side. 

“Hey–” Lance began but Acxa quickly shot him a glare. 

Both officers turned to look at Acxa then to Keith. 

“Hey Kogane, not in juvie yet? I’m surprised,” The lieutenant joked and Keith scrunched his nose, glancing to the side and hoping Lance wouldn’t ask later. “Captain told me that I’ve got to keep an eye out for you–” She shut up when Shiro glared at her. 

“Don’t I know you?” Washbur asked, pointing at Acxa with his pencil. 

“No, sir,” She said. Bullshit, he was the cop that found Acxa and brought her to the station so many years ago. Keith knew she remembered because he remembered. 

He stared at her for a moment longer before turning back to Shiro. “We need the room cleared while we talk to you about what happened tonight,” He said. 

“I’m not going anywhere.” Keith kept his stance there, his eyes on Shiro. 

“Keith, I’ll be fine, I am their boss ,” He assured. Keith’s eyes moved from Shiro to the officers, glaring into them. He felt a hand on his shoulder. It was light and gentle– he turned and it wasn’t Acxa, but Lance. 

“We’ll be back in here in like five minutes and we’ll be right outside,” Lance said, his voice coming out lightly. Keith glanced once more at Shiro, who simply nodded. Keith shot another nasty look at the officers before following the two out. 

They stood against the wall, trying their best to stay out of the way of the doctors walking past. Down the hall, they would see Adam, still on the phone with presumably Matt. Keith’s arms were crossed as he stared at the granite floors, his bangs falling in his face. He felt short standing between Lance and Acxa but he was too busy counting down the seconds to care. 

“So, what’s with the juvie thing?”

Of course. Of course Lance asked. In truth, he couldn’t be too upset, he was lying to Lance about a lot of things, he just never planned to tell him about his record. He didn’t think it was relevant to their plan. 

“Nothing.” He didn’t want to explain it to Lance. 

“If you’re going to be around my family, I need to know,” Lance said with an even and stern tone. “I care more about my family’s safety than your plan.”

Keith couldn’t blame him. Here they both were, standing outside a hospital room that they had rushed to for his family. His brother. 

“You don’t need to know, it won’t endanger your family,” Acxa chimed in. 

“Acxa, it’s fine,” Keith said, not moving his eyes but could feel Lance’s on him. “I’ve got a record with the cops, mostly just misdemeanors- disturbing the peace, trespassing, theft, disorderly conduct, vandalism–”

“That one was fun,” Acxa mumbled. Keith chuckled a little, shaking his head. 

“Last time I got arrested, Shiro said if I get caught again I’ll end up in juvenile detention because of the amount of charges I have.” But he wouldn’t get caught. He had an excuse now. 

“ Wait –” Lance turned to Acxa, “You two have vandalized together?” He asked, placing his hands on his hips. 

“No.” Keith laughed a little at Acxa’s immediate lie. 

“I won’t get caught and I only hurt people who deserve it, like Harlow,” Keith said, his eyes hadn’t moved from the granite but he could feel Lance’s gaze move off of him. 

The cops walked out, joking with Shiro as they did. Washbur stopped in front of them, glancing back with his eyes on Acxa. Lance had walked back in already and Keith hesitated, standing in the doorway.

“I do remember you, I arrested you and Kogane after you spray painted that one guy’s house,” He said. Acxa stared at him. “Spray painted anything else recently?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. 

“You wish,” She sneered, nudging Keith to go inside, following close behind. 

Shiro had a faint smile on his face when they walked in, but before Keith could say a single word, they were interrupted by Adam and a doctor walking in. 

“Matt said he can pick up your car.” Shiro let out a sigh. “He’s also pissed at you for getting shot.” He rolled his eyes. It was definitely where Keith got it from. 

Even the doctor chuckled a little. “I’m doctor Perron, I was your surgeon. Mr. Shirogane, how are you feeling?” She asked, resting her clipboard on her dark blue scrubs. 

“Like I've been shot,” He said. “And please, call me Shiro,” He added.

“Well, Shiro, I can imagine. How is your pain?”

“Moderate,” He answered. 

“Well, let me or the nurses know if you need any more medication.” She pulled out some photos and handed them to Shiro. “ You came into our emergency room with a bullet wound, during surgery to extract the bullet we discovered it grazed his right pulmonary artery– which is not good at all,” She said, pointing to the image. 

“So, what does this mean?”

“Well, the surgery was successful, we removed the bullet but it was too risky to fix your artery. Our hope is that it heals on its own, and considering the good health you are in, it is highly likely, but for now all we can really do is observe you,” She said. 

“So he has to stay here?” Adam asked, placing a hand on Shiro’s shoulder. 

“It is his safest option. Only until the artery heals itself or if we have to go in again, but we are really hoping for the first option. It could take a couple days, maybe weeks.”

Keith’s eyes were locked on Shiro. He was going to kill the person who did this. He was going to gut them from the inside out. 

“Okay, thank you so much,” Shiro said. The doctor nodded, mumbling something to the nurse that stood outside before walking down the hall. “So, guess I’ll finally be taking those days off you’re always yelling at me about,” He joked, turning to Adam. 

Adam shook his head, failing to fight back a smile. “Not the kind of break I meant babe,” He said. 

“Well, it’s the kind I’m getting. Could you call Allura and see if she can watch Kosmo for a few days?” He asked and Adam nodded, stepping out once again. Shiro turned back to Keith, “Keith, call Pidge and see if you can stay with the Holts.”

“Why can’t I stay at the apartment?” He asked, stepping back. 

“You would forget your head if I didn’t remind you,” Shiro stated. “You’re not staying alone.”

“Then I’ll stay here.”

“You have school.”

“I’ll drive myself.”

“Just because I am in the hospital does not mean you’re not grounded still.”

“You can’t–”

“Don’t argue.”

“Shiro–”

“Keith.”

Keith knew he wasn’t going to win this argument. He knew it deep in his soul from the past two years of living with Shiro– he knew he couldn’t win this argument. So instead, he pulled out his phone and called Pidge. 

It rang a few times, in absolute silence because no one else was speaking in the room. 

“Keith , what the hell did your brother do?!” Pidge shouted very loudly and directly into Keith’s ear. 

“Ow– Pidge, what the fuck?” Keith winced, pulling the phone away from his ear. 

A few incoherent things– probably curse words– were screamed before Keith hesitantly brought the phone back to his ear. 

“First Matt says we’re going on some stupid ass surprise trip and then he follows it up with Shiro being shot?! Who the fuck shot him? And why the fuck are we still going on this dumbass trip? Do they not realize I have school? We have school!”

“Pidge–”

“I am an academic weapon , I have skipped literal grades– I’m taking five AP courses as a fifteen year old junior and they think this is the absolute best time to go on a family trip! I’m going to kill my family, Keith.” There was rusting in the background, the sound of a zipper. 

“Can you listen–”

“And Shiro got shot! Why aren’t we canceling?! Our closest family friend is in the hospital and my mother wants to go to Italy! What the fuck is wrong with them?! When did they even plan this? Why am I only being told the day before we leave! You can’t plan a trip to Italy overnight meaning they’ve known about it and just didn’t tell me. Keith, why the fuck didn’t they tell me?!” He could hear her smacking one of her hands against the other. 

Keith waited a few beats to see if she was done– she was. 

“Keith? Are you there?”

“So, I can’t stay at your house for a few days?” He asked, scrunching his brows. 

“Uh, no, unless you want to hang out with the dog,” She said. “Oh speaking of, who's watching Kosmo? And aren’t you supposed to be at dinner at Lance’s house?”

“Allura is, and I was at dinner when I got the call. Lance is here, actually, he tagged along,” Keith said. 

“Oh. Well, good luck with that.”

“So you’re not going to be in Chemistry tomorrow?”

“No, apparently I’ll be on a flight to Italy!” She said, this time shouting away from her phone. 

“Is she complaining about Italy?” Shiro asked. 

“Yes, I am Shiro! I don’t want to go!” she said. 

“Damn,” Lance said. 

“Lance, shut it.”

“She can hear me?”

“Yes! I am going to go die in my suitcase.”

And then she hung up. How fucking convenient. The universe was conspiring against him– he just knew it. The universe and the fucking galaxy and whatever deities were out to get him. 

Keith shoved his phone back into his pocket. “I can’t stay at the Holts. You won’t let me stay at the apartment or here– Shiro, where do you expect me to go?” He asked. 

“I’m assuming he can’t stay with me?” Acxa asked, crossing her arms. 

Shiro raised an eyebrow, “If I let him stay with you, he’s going to end up with twenty more piercings and in juvie,” He said, letting out a cough. 

Acxa rolled her eyes. 

“Don’t say that about her, she’s a good person.”

“She’s reformed but that doesn’t mean I have to trust her. She pierced your lip in our bathroom with an ice cube and a piercing gun she bought online!” 

“Shiro, can’t you get over that? I’m fine, my lip is fine! It healed great!”

“Hey–” Lance said, stepping forward and dragging out the letters again. “Calm down, everything is going to be okay. Mullet can stay at my house,” He said, pulling out his phone. 

“ What ?” Keith turned to him, his eyes narrowing on Lance. 

“I’ll call my Ma’, we have a guest room, it’s not a big deal. We’ll take you to school and stuff.” He wasn’t asking until he looked at Shiro. “If that’s cool with you?” 

Shiro nodded without even glancing at Keith. “That would be great Lance. If I could also talk to your mom, that would be nice,” He said, letting out another cough. 

“Of course, let me call her.”

Did they not see Keith panic glancing between the two. He turned to Acxa, who bit her lip and looked to the side. Even she knew this wasn’t a good idea. But before Keith could say anything else, Lance’s mom answered. 

“Lance Charles McClain! The amount of trouble you are in is unmeasurable!” She shouted, her voice cracking through the speakers on his phone. There were quick strings of Spanish shared between the two, what Keith hoped was her saying no but he wasn’t that stupid. 

“Ma’ his brother wants to talk–”

“Put the man on the phone, Flaco !” She shouted as he handed off the phone to Shiro. 

“Hi, I’m Shiro, Keith’s brother,” He said calmly, his eyes already scrunched, prepared to be yelled at. 

“Hi Shiro, I’m Gloria, my son tells me you were shot? Are you okay?” Her questions came out slowly and much calmer.

“I was, but I’m mostly alright. I have to stay at the hospital for a few days and, if it’s not a problem of course, could Keith stay at your home?”

“ Ay , of course. He’s a very sweet boy,” She said. 

“Sweet and Keith have never been said in the same sentence, but thank you ma’am,” He said. 

“ Claro que si , we have a guest room and I’m sure Violeta can take them by your home to get some of his things, yes?” 

Acxa nodded. Keith still stood there with shock. His brain was taking a moment to catch up to everything. 

“She said she can. Are you sure it’s not an intrusion? I can always figure something else out.”

She let out a small laugh, “Oh stop. You get some rest. Family is the most important thing and my son’s boyfriend is a part of my family, I will take good care of him,” She insisted. 

“Could I give you my number so you can contact me?” He asked. 

“One second, I’m not good with phones, let me get my daughter– Espejuela ! Necesito ayuda !” 

After they exchanged phone numbers, Shiro handed his phone back to Lance. “Thank you again, Lance. It means a lot from you and your family.” Shiro’s smile was small and calm and Keith wanted to scream. 

“ Psh , it’s not a big deal,” Lance said, waving his hand in the air. 

“So Keith, don’t forget to grab…”

Keith stopped listening. He can’t do this. He can’t do this, not now, not with Shiro, not with the McClains, now with Lance. He needed to go. He needed to get out of here right now. 

He shoved past everyone, he didn’t know where he was going but he was going. He walked right past people with blurry faces, he kept his head down. His ears didn’t hear the people calling his name, he just kept going– kept walking until he ended up in a staircase. He sat in a corner, pulling his knees up to his chest and shoving his face into his forearms. The floor was hard against him and the wall was cold, his flannel barely did anything. 

He needed everything to stop. He needed a moment to think. To process.

“Oh, kid.” Acxa found him. 

He felt her sit next to him, she wrapped an arm around his shoulders. 

“I can’t do this.” His voice came out more cracked than he meant it to and his forearms were wet with tears. 

“It’s just a few nights.” 

It was Lance’s voice. Of course he followed Acxa. 

“That’s not the problem, Lance,” Acxa spoke. “His brain isn’t wired the same as yours. He experiences stress in a much more intense way than you do,” She said. 

Keith didn’t want her to keep talking but he didn’t want to talk. He wanted to sit in silence and let the world pause for a moment but the world didn’t stop for people like him. 

“What do you mean?”

“ Nothing Lance, just– He needs a few minutes,” She said, rubbing small circles into his back. He could feel each time it went over where Harlow cut him. He jerked his shoulder and she dropped her hand. He kept his head down and heard Lance’s converse squeak against the floor as he sat next to Keith on the other side. 

And they sat there, together and in silence.

Chapter Text

The rest of the night was a blur. 

Keith vaguely remembers leaving the hospital after saying bye to Shiro, he remembers even less bumping into Allura as she was picking up Kosmo’s things and he was picking up his things. Just his backpack, charger, some clothes, his knife that he shoved under the clothes, and headphones– the latter item being what Shiro reminded him to grab. 

He barely remembered greeting Mrs. McClain at the front of her door for the second time that day. He remembered feeling her hug him– he wasn’t sure if he hugged her back. He slightly remembered Acxa and Lance walking him up the stairs and into the guest room. 

He was sitting on the very edge of the bed, his two bags were behind him and he stared at the carpeted floors. He had the same black socks from earlier that contrasted against the grey carpet. Acxa had left, he wasn’t sure how long ago but she did. 

He didn’t remember when he started fidgeting with his lip piercing again but he was. There was dim light coming from a lamp on the bedside table, the curtains were shut but he knew it was dark out. He didn’t know how long he sat there for, just blinking. 

“Hey?” 

He didn’t look up, but he heard who it was and the door closing. 

“Not now,” His voice was barely above a whisper, his brain didn’t register that he said it. 

He blinked again and when he opened his eyes bright blue eyes were staring at him. Lance on one knee in front of him in some random basketball shorts that didn’t look like his and a sleep shirt that looked slightly too big for him. . His head was slightly tilted, eyes filled with worry. “I came to check on you, it’s two in the morning. You should be sleeping.”

“Can’t.” It was all he could get out. 

“Shiro’s okay, he’ll be okay,” Lance said, speaking low. Keith didn’t respond and moved his eyes to his own lap, staring at his still gloved hands. Lance stood and for a moment he thought Lance was going to leave. 

He didn’t. 

Instead, he reached up and slowly slid off Keith’s jacket– he didn’t stop him– and off his arms. Lance placed it on the bag and moved them off the bed and to the floor next to him. 

“What are you doing?” He asked, his eyes staying downward, if he looked at Lance he was going to start crying again and he couldn’t handle that. 

Lance reached his hands out, “Getting you to bed, we still have school tomorrow. Don’t argue with me,” He said and Keith didn’t. He took one of Keith’s hands and started sliding his gloves off his hands. It reminded Keith of the night he bandaged his wounds, the gentleness– he touched Keith as he was made of the most valuable material in the universe.

He let Lance slide the gloves off and put it with his other stuff. He then shuffled through the small closet and grabbed a blanket, placing it next to Keith. 

“Do you wash your face or anything?” Keith shook his head. He didn’t bring it. He knew he wasn’t going to have the energy. “Okay,” Lance said. It surprised him a little, he expected something more than that from Lance. He wasn’t one for simple answers. 

“C’mon,” Lance said, grabbing his hand again, tugging a little to get him to stand. Keith did so, his legs felt wobbly but he didn’t let it show. He pulled him around the side of the guest bed and slightly pushed him to sit down. “Is your charger in your bag?” He asked when Keith slid his phone out of his pocket and placed it next to him. 

Keith nodded, “You don’t have to.”

“I want to. What pocket?”

Silence. 

“I’m doing it regardless, you might as well tell me which pocket so I’m not rummaging through your bag.”

Keith finally looked at him and Lance was looking at him and they were staring. Again. He just wanted to count his freckles and see the different shades of blue. He felt a pain in his chest, it was almost aggravating, as if it was about to leap out. 

“Pidge and Acxa said to not bite your lip piercing.”

Keith didn’t realize he was doing it but he also didn’t stop. 

“Dude.” Lance stepped forward and pulled his lip down with his thumb and out of Keith’s teeth. “Don’t do that,” He said, his thumb still pressed on Keith’s lip. 

Lance’s hands were just as warm as they were soft. Lance was slightly bent over and Keith could see his collarbone under his sleep shirt. Keith’s eyes flicked back up at Lance. His eyes were kind and soft  and he could see the blues fade into one another around his pupil. Counting the freckles. 

They were staring at each other again. A bad habit of theirs that was quickly developing. 

“Front pocket of my backpack,” Keith said, turning his head away with a deep breath. 

“What?- Right,” Lance quickly mumbled, turning away to go to Keith’s bag. 

Keith reached up, his fingers ghosting over where Lance’s hand was and then his cheek. Where Lance had kissed earlier that night at dinner. He hadn’t really processed that it happened until now.

“Was that okay earlier?” Lance asked, plugging in the charger. Could Lance read his mind?

It was probable, Keith didn’t know him that well.

Keith nodded but Lance’s back was still turned. “‘Cause like, I know we never talked about that, and it was a kind of in-the-moment thing, but I won’t do it again if it made you uncomfortable.”  

“It was fine,” He said. He didn’t know what else he should say about it. He knew the part where his lips had touched was still warm but he didn’t think Lance needed to know that. 

“Okay, that’s good.” Lance let out a breath as he plugged in Keith’s phone. He stood and stared at Keith, who was still sitting up. “Go to bed. Your emo ass needs sleep.” He flicked the light off and it took a moment for Keith’s eyes to adjust to the darkness. 

“Not emo,” Keith muttered, laying down and pulling his legs up to his chest. 

“Whatever you say, Mullet.”

—

He didn’t remember falling asleep but when he woke up there was a blanket on him. He blinked a few times, the memories of the day before were flooding into his mind. He groggily sat up, blinking a few more times. He rubbed his hands over his face once more. 

He grabbed his phone, Shiro had texted him good morning, Allura sent a photo of Kosmo curled up in a blanket, and there was a stream of messages from Pidge complaining about the airport. He rolled his eyes a little, he’d respond later. His eyes glanced at the time, it was around six-thirty, he usually woke up then. 

He wasn’t sure if he should go out or stay there. He did, however, get up and change his clothes as they still smelt like hospital. He ran a hand through his hair when he finished and ruffled through his backpack, he wanted to make sure he had everything for the school day. 

If he even thought about skipping, Shiro would know and somehow escape the hospital and yell at him. 

He slipped his backpack over his shoulder. He heavily debated going through the window to leave for school to avoid interacting with the McClains. But then he remembered his shoes, which were downstairs. He still thought about it. 

That was until there was a knock at the door. “ Soldado ? Are you awake?” It was Mrs. McClain. 

He opened the door. Her hair was tied into a tight bun and it was quiet in the hallway. She held a shoe in one of her hands that looked like a childs, it was one of those light-up ones that Keith had seen on TV. 

“Oh good, I’ve made some food, come and eat,” She said, a smile on her face. 

“I’m not hungry, thank you,” He said. 

“ Mijo , I didn't ask if you were hungry,” she said with a small laugh. “Come.” 

She waved her hand and Keith’s feet moved on their own, padding down the stairs behind her. She dropped the shoe she was holding onto the shoe rack. He saw Lance was already sitting at one of the stools, his face glowing even as he ate a waffle. 

“Where’s your little brother?” She asked as they entered the kitchen. “He should be awake by now– Soldado , do you want syrup?” She turned around to Keith, who still stood there. 

“Oh, Mullet is awake,” Lance said, his eyes freezing on Keith. He expected a teasing tone but never got it.

Mrs. McClain made a tsk sound as she smacked his arm– that’s where Veronica got it from– “Be nice to your boyfriend,” She said. “Please, sit and eat some food. It will help.”

“Good morning mi alma ,” Lance said, leaning toward Keith. 

“Better.” Her eyes stared through her son. 

“Morning.” Keith sat in the stool next to Lance– he still had to pretend to date him. He still had the plan, he still needed to get Harlow, but now he needed to also figure out who the hell shot Shiro. He was going to kill him. 

“ Mijo , syrup or no?” Mrs. McClain asked again, holding up the bottle. 

“No thank you,” He said, earning a weird look from Lance as Mrs. McClain handed him the plate. 

“You raw-dog your waffles?”

“What does that even mean?”

“Like– you eat them plain?” 

“I don’t like the texture of syrup.” He took a bite of the waffle. 

“But you eat your waffles plain? Do you eat plain pancakes too?” 

“Yes.”

“You’re insane.”

“I’ve been called worse.”

Lance rolled his eyes and continued eating his syrup covered waffle. “Marco caught a ride with Luis and Lisa, and the kids because he wanted to meet up with Anna before class.”

“And Conchi ?” 

“Last I checked she was in the shower. ‘Nica is sleeping because she said her class doesn’t start until nine, and…” Lance did a mental count, “Cari is still in her room, I didn’t want to bother her,” He said. 

“Is Cocinero still picking you up?” She was peeling an orange as she asked. 

“Hunk said he’s on his way,” Lance said. Keith avioed talking, he didn’t want his tired brain to say the wrong thing and the waffles were really good. Maybe Mrs. McClain was right, eating did help a little. It was weird seeing Lance so… calm. Normal. 

He knew he didn’t know Lance that well but he always seemed enthusiastic or sarcastic, he was a very animated person but right now he was just… a person. A teenager, talking to his mom. 

“Is he bringing the van?”

“His mom said he could borrow it.”

“Good, because it needs to fit you, Keith, Racheal, and Caridad– let her sit in the front by the way,” She took a bite of an orange and Lance groaned. “Cut the attitude.” he immediately stopped groaning. 

“Is Pa’ still home?” He asked, leaning on his hand. 

“No, he left a little earlier,” She said. His expression dropped, which did not go unnoticed by either. “He should be home for dinner.”

“You say that every time, Ma’,” Lance muttered, a small sympathetic look on his face. 

“He works a lot,” She said, “Long hours Mijo , we have to be patient.”

“I know.”

 I’m going to go check on the girls, make sure you have all your stuff together,” She said, walking up the stairs with her orange. Lance shook his head a little.

Keith continued eating his waffles, he felt Lance’s eyes on him but didn’t turn to look. 

“How’d you sleep?” He asked. 

“Fine,” He said between bites. 

“I uh, went in there this morning to see if you actually fell asleep and you were shaking, so I put the blanket over you,” He said, just under his breath. That’s when the memories of the early morning flashed into his mind. How did he forget?

“Oh,” Keith said. It felt a little weird- maybe a lot weird to know that Lance was in there while he was sleeping. 

“Sorry. Is that weird?” 

Is Lance a mind reader?

“No–no it’s okay. Thank you,” He mumbled, finishing his waffle. The sink was empty and he wasn’t sure what to do with his plate. 

“Left side is for dirty dishes,” Lance said, sliding up next to him and grabbing the plate from his hand. “We don’t have a fancy dishwasher, we just have Marco and Racheal– and it’s really just Marco, Rach’ doesn’t do much–”

“I can hear you Flaco .” Lance did a full three-sixty turn, facing his little sister with a smile. “Don’t forget who edits your videos,” Her eyes narrowed on him. 

“Right! I lied, Rach’ does like everything around here, a great little sister, honestly,” He said quickly and Keith felt a small smile forming on his face. 

“I better be. I’m the best little sister in the entire freaking world,” She said, grabbing an orange on the counter. Keith mentally noted how she peeled it the same way at her mother. 

Lance’s phone buzzed a few times and he pulled it out, Keith peeked over, reading the texts. “Would you look at that! Hunk is here!” Lance said, still very nervous. 

“I call front!” A voice said from the staircase. Caridad was there, slipping her shoes on. 

“Boo,” Racheal said, throwing her peels in the trash can before walking over to the door. 

“You suck, Cari,” Lance grumbled, pulling Keith along to the front door. He could walk over there by himself, but he didn’t want Lance to let go of his arm. 

“I know, I’m the worst,” She said with the signature McClain smirk. 

When they walked outside, Keith shivered from the morning air, the sun was still rising creating a sky of beautiful orange and blue hues. A few clouds were scattered throughout, not doing much but looking pretty. 

Hunk was in the backseat, struggling to get a carseat out. 

“Hunk, do you need help buddy?”

“No! It’s just– are we sure one of you can’t just sit in it?” He asked, turning his head. 

“Lance is skinny enough,” Caridad said. 

“ Carro is right, Lance would fit,” Racheal added, fist bumping Caridad. 

“You guys suck! I’m not sitting in a car seat!” Lance said, shoving past them to help Hunk. 

“We call you Flaco for a reason,” Caridad added, a hand on her hip. 

Lance huffed. “Hunk, move I’ll do it– I put both of you in car seats and Cari I changed your diapers when I was seven so don’t play with me,” He said, pointing at her. Hunk moved out of the way, putting his hands in the air. 

“He’s not going to get it,” Hunk mumbled as Cari climbed into the front seat. 

“Probably not,” Racheal added, a smile still on her face. 

As much as Keith would love to make fun of Lance, he needed to be at school sooner than later. So, he walked over to the other side of the car and opened the door. 

“Mullet, you don’t know how to take out a carseat,” Lance grumbled, still struggling to unhook the thing. Keith didn’t say anything, batting Lance’s hands away. Lance sighed, stepping back for a moment. Keith reached under, slipping one of the hooks off before reaching over and slipping the other hook off as well. He pushed the car seat toward Lance. 

“Hey, thanks Keith!” Hunk said with a smile, moving Lance to the side to put the car seat in the back. Keith raised an eyebrow at Lance’s dropped jaw. 

“Where the hell did you learn how to do that?” Lance asked as Keith slid into the car, putting his backpack on his lap. 

Before Keith could answer, Racheal shouted, “It doesn’t matter, just get in, you’re sitting in the middle,” She said, shoving her brother in. 

“What! No fair!” He said, sliding into the middle anyway. 

“I’m taller, I need the leg room.”

“You're taller by two inches!”

“Yeah and I’m a year younger than you so sit with that and shut up,” She said, closing the door. During their argument, Hunk had started the car and rolled the windows down. 

“It’s always like this, sorry Keith,” Hunk said. “Usually the carseat works as a buffer,” He added as he began driving. 

Keith wasn’t new to carpooling, his foster families did have to get him to school somehow. He has just been so used to walking the past two years. Shiro offered to drive Keith, but he insisted against it for his alone time.

“Can I play music?” Caridad asked, turning to Hunk. 

“Go ahead, but no Rihanna, I am tired of listening to Lance sing Rihanna,” Hunk said. 

Lance crossed his arms over his backpack. “Why do you hate me?” He asked. 

“He listened to it in my car too,” Keith added. “No singing though.” 

“ Good , he cannot sing,” Caridad said. Racheal was busy on her phone, typing away with a smile. Caridad began playing some music, it was in Spanish and he didn’t know what the singer was saying. 

“Yes I can!” 

“Don’t prove it,” Keith said, glaring at him. 

“Here I was thinking you liked me,” Lance mumbled, dramatically turning away from Keith. 

“You’ve been lied to,” Keith said, a grin on his face. Lance turned with furrowed brows and a dropped jaw but Keith could see him fighting back a smile. 

“Rach, my boyfriend hates me,” He theatrically pretended to faint onto his sister, placing his hand on his forehead. Right, they’re fake dating. 

He wasn’t sure why he had to keep reminding himself. 

“I would too and shut up, Cari put on Celia Cruz ” She mumbled, typing on her phone regardless of her brother laying on her. He huffed, sitting up again. 

“Keith, did you complete Mr. Holt’s assignment on Half-lifes? I texted Pidge about it and she said I was right, but she mentioned that you’re really good at this stuff. I know I’m good at it too, I’m just not confident in it, so could you check a few of my answers?” He asked, glancing at Keith in the rearview. 

Keith felt his chest bubble up– he wasn’t good at chemistry but he could talk about Nuclear Chemistry for hours, his old therapist said it was a ‘Special Interest’. He didn’t really know what that meant but she said it wasn’t a bad thing and that it just meant he’s really passionate about it. 

“Yeah, I finished it Tuesday night so I can help,” He said. He didn’t know if Hunk also knew Pidge was in Italy. 

“Also, She was complaining about going on some trip to Italy? Do you know anything about that?” He asked. “She was very, very upset, I received like fifty messages in one minute.” He chuckled a little. Well that answered his question. 

“Apparently Mrs. Holt–”

“Aw damn, Mr. Hot has a wife?” Lance said. Keith side eyed him. “This day just keeps getting worse.”

“ Anyway . Mrs. Holt surprised all of them with a trip to Italy that she had been secretly planning for months,” Keith said, remembering the texts from Pidge he had to respond to at some point. “They’ll be back in about a week,” He said. 

“Great because I am going to miss my Minecraft buddy,” Hunk said as he parked in the lot. There were a few students walking around them but Keith slid out of the car anyway. It was too crowded in there. 

“Rach!” Some girl called, running up to the car. “Coach Patel is making us run today!” Keith could hear the gun she was chewing and he winced. Racheal slid out of the car and Keith could hear Lance groan again when he heard her. 

“Katie, be so for real! I literally showered today!” She whined. 

“Stop, I literally am. I hate him. He’s always making us run and shit. It’s genuinely so stupid– Who’s that?” He could feel her pointing at him and he wanted to walk away but Lance was still waiting for Hunk. 

“That’s Lance’s boyfriend,” Caridad said, slipping her backpack on and side eyeing Katie. 

“Shut up! Are you serious? Is this the boyfriend you posted about last night?!” She asked, walking around to the side of the car. 

“You watch my videos?” Lance asked, raising an eyebrow. 

“Of course! Your skincare tips are my faves,” She said. “You’re such a girls girl– or well girls guy? Whatever the term is!” Keith could still hear her chewing the gum. He was two seconds away from punching her. “Anyway, he’s cute, what’s his name?”

“I’m not a dog,” Keith said, narrowing his eyes on her. 

“Katie, leave him alone,” Racheal said, tugging her arm with a smile. 

“That was kind of rude, I’m sorry,” She said, placing a hand on her chest. Keith couldn’t tell if she was being serious or not. “I’ll talk to you later Lance!” She said as Racheal dragged her away. 

“I hate her.” Lance, Caridad, and Hunk said simultaneously. Keith turned his head to all three of them. 

“She treats me like I’m a child,” Caridad said, slipping a headphone in. 

“She annoys me so much, I don’t know why Rach is friends with her,” Lance grumbled and started walking. Keith started walking next to them, he kept his head down. He could feel people looking at him– he knew it in his gut because every day since this year he has walked alone and today there were people with him.

When they stopped in front of the classroom, Hunk started rummaging through his backpack. He leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. 

“Oh! Keith, Pidge told me you drink these every morning and I figured you might need it extra today.” He opened his eyes and Hunk was holding out a Monster for him, with a bright smile. 

“Oh, thank you,” He said, taking the Monster and opening it immediately. 

“No problem, I know yesterday was probably–” Lance nudged him, signaling him to shut up.

“You told him?” Keith asked, his eyes peering up at Lance. 

“He’s my best friend. He’s my Acxa!” Lance said. 

“How am I your sister’s girlfriend?” 

“Not important Hunk.”

“Oh no, you’ll probably tell him later anyway. Some shit isn’t meant for others to hear, Lance.” Keith turned and faced him. How can he be so sweet and then act like a dick? It gave Keith a headache. 

“Cut the crap Mullet. It was a huge thing I needed to talk about.”

“ You needed to talk about it?”

“Okay! Okay!” Hunk said, stepping between the two. “Everything’s alright. I won’t tell anyone anything Keith. I promise, I’m much better at secrets than Lance is,” Hunk assured before turning to Lance. “And buddy, you gotta tell me when to keep things a secret or to not talk about it,” He said. 

“Whatever,” They both said. 

Keith turned back and saw Mrs. Honerva? Unlocking the Chemistry classroom. 

“Hello Kogane,” She greeted, her voice cracking after every other syllable. His back went straight and his arms dropped to the sides, still holding onto the Monster of course. “I am subbing for Mr. Holt’s first period, are you in his class?”

“Uh, yeah,” He said. 

“Splendid.” She did not sound excited. “Have you completed the presentation on the Crucible yet? I assigned it yesterday, It is due when you walk into class today,” she reminded him as she opened the door. 

Crap. 

He did not. He had planned to do it that night when he got home but evidently that never happened. 

“Actually, Mrs. Honerva I need to talk to you about that,” He said, following her inside. She walked with a slouch, her bag hitting her thigh with each step. 

“What is it?” She asked, sitting down at Mr. Holt’s desk and placing her bag next to herself. 

Was he really about to pull the ‘my brother is in the hospital so I’m staying at my fake boyfriends house’ card?

Maybe leave out the second part. 

“I wasn’t able to complete the assignment because my brother is–”

“Kogane, there are no excuses. You had the entire class period yesterday and you had last night. This is an advanced placement course, you are meant to be an advanced placement student ,” Her voice narrowed as she spoke quickly, looking over the binder Mr. Holt left for substitutes

“Ma’am, I didn’t have the time because my brother is in the–”

“Your family has nothing to do with your assignment. You should have completed it.”

Keith didn’t feel like arguing. He turned to sit but was stopped by Lance standing there. 

“Mrs. Honerva is it?”” He asked, Keith raised a brow. 

“Yes, what do you need?” She asked, looking up at Lance. 

“Let him explain without interrupting. He has a good reason and I think you should hear him out,” Lance said, crossing his arms. Keith kicked him but he didn’t budge. 

“And why do you think that?” She asked, crossing her arms. 

“He’s a good student. He gets good grades and completes his assignments on time. Yeah he’s broody and angsty but he makes up for it with his work,” He said. Keith glanced off to the side, he wanted to curl up into a ball and disappear. 

Mrs. Honerva sat back in the seat. “Go ahead, Kogane.”

He didn’t make eye contact with her when he explained the situation. Well, the sparknotes version; his guardian, who’s also his brother, is in the hospital and he has to stay with someone else for a few days. There was no reason she had to know about the boyfriend thing. Fake boyfriend. 

“All I’m asking for is an extension, I can turn it in by midnight,” He said. 

“Then you have until midnight, you will be opted out for presenting.” Her tone was flat. 

“Thank you, Ma’am,” Keith said, quickly turning to go to his seat, dragging Lance behind him before he could say anything else. 

How could he be such a dick and then sweet? Keith was going to punch him. 

Chapter Text

After school, Lisa offered to take Keith to visit his brother– which he quickly agreed to–, it had been short and simple. Keith talked with him about his day for a bit, Shiro spoke about his, it went well until Keith mentioned the extension for his project and Shiro immediately told him to go back to the McClains to work on it. 

Keith tried to convince him that he could stay a little longer, but it was futile. He would have argued, it’s in his blood to defy, but he didn’t want to stress Shiro out anymore than he already is. Which is why it was cut short. 

“So,” Many O’s were dragged out as Lance stood in the doorway of the guest room. Keith sat with his legs crossed and laptop in his lap. He hadn’t been anywhere else since they got back. 

“Aren’t you supposed to be recording?” He asked, his eyes glued to the screen as he continued typing. He remembered Racheal yelling at Lance to record because of their uploading schedule or something like that– he wasn’t paying too much attention. 

“I did and now I want to bother you until dinner,” Lance said, lazily sitting at the foot of the bed. 

“I’m busy,” Keith mumbled as he typed. The words were just flowing out onto the computer. He knew the content and what to do. It was simply the act of sitting down and doing it that he struggled with. 

“Too busy for your boyfriend?” Lance grinned. 

Keith glanced to the doorway, “ Fake boyfriend,” He corrected in a whisper. 

“You’re boring,” Lance said with a huff. 

“You don’t have homework?”

“Nothing due tomorrow and Ma’ won’t let me help her cook,” Lance tossed himself back, spreading his arms above his head. 

“Why?”

“Almost burned down the kitchen last time.” Keith laughed a little. “What! I didn’t know you actually had to read the back of the box! I thought it was a suggestion.” he grumbled. 

“That tracks,” He said. 

“I can cook better than you!” 

Yeah, Keith couldn’t argue with that. He couldn’t cook for the life of him. 

“Is that the presentation thing?” He asked, poking the back of Keith’s laptop a few times. 

“Yep.” He only had two more slides and then proof-reading before he had to turn it in. 

“Can I read it?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I said no, Lance.”

“Mi Alma, why must you be so mean?” He tossed a hand over his head and let out a breathy sigh. Keith rolled his eyes and continued typing. 

Rchael stopped in front of the open door, staring down at her phone, “ Flaco , I’m almost done editing and then I’ll send it over to you to post,” She spoke as she walked away, “Post it before seven!”

“Thanks Rach’! You’re the best!”

“I know!” Her voice echoed through the hallway. 

“You don’t call her the nickname,” Keith pointed out. 

Lance stared at the ceiling, “She doesn’t like it but she doesn’t want to hurt Ma’s feelings,” He said. “So I just call her Rach’.” He started typing on his phone. 

“Why doesn’t she tell your mom that she doesn’t like it? Wouldn’t it make your mom more upset if she was hurting her daughter's feelings without knowing it?” He didn’t even realize he was asking the question until the words were long gone from his mouth. 

What the hell would Keith know about family feelings?

“I don’t know. I think it would hurt my mom more if she knew she was hurting her daughter's feelings at all,” He said, still typing. Keith laid a leg out, resting his ankle on Lance’s hip bone. Lance didn’t shove it off like Keith expected. 

“Hm,” Keith hummed as he flipped open his copy of the play, skimming over the text for a certain quote. The last detail he needed. A few beats of silence passed between them. 

“Rach’ it’s posted!” Lance shouted, not even turning to the door. He found the quote and quickly copied it down, making a small cheering noise in his head. 

“Okay! Did you add the right hashtags?!” She yelled from somewhere else upstairs. Keith wasn’t paying attention and started rereading the slides. 

“Yeah!” Followed by a much quieter, “I’m pretty sure,” He mumbled. 

He didn’t get why Lance didn’t just get up to talk to her but he also didn’t fully understand Lance. He was a sort of anomaly to Keith. An annoying but sweet anomaly. Was that a thing? Were there annoying and sweet aliens? Is that where Lance came from? 

All very important questions of course, but they could be answered when he was finished rereading his slides. 

“ Soldado ! Flaco ! Dinner!” 

Now, Lance shoved Keith’s leg off of him and shoved his phone into his pocket. Keith closed the laptop and placed it to the side, following Lance out. 

“What does Soldado mean?” Keith asked in a whisper. 

“Soldier,” Lance said as they started walking down the stairs– Keith’s eyes flickering to the Perfect Attendance photo one more time. 

“Why is she calling me that?”

Lance shrugged. “My Ma’ has her reasons, she’ll probably tell you or maybe she won’t-,”

He stopped suddenly at the bottom of the staircase, causing Keith to bump into him. In front of them was an older man, the same exact skin tone as Lance with short, choppy brown hair that matched his goatee. He wore a polo and dress pants, dark circles were prominent under his eyes, adding to the small wrinkles on his forehead. 

“Pa’, you’re home,” Lance said, a smile spreading across his face as he went to hug his father. Mr. McClain’s eyes went wide at the sight of Keith but hugged his son regardless. 

“Yeah– Jefa said to leave early,” He muttered, releasing his son. “Who’s this?” He asked, motioning to Keith with an odd look. 

Keith, who had been fiddling with his lip piercing again, looked at him. “I’m Keith, I’m Lance’s boyfriend,” He said, holding a hand out. Mr. McClain ignored the hand and shoved past Keith– so aggressively that Keith was about to turn around and punch him– and began to walk up the stairs, shoes still on. 

Keith glanced at Lance, who was just staring at his dad with a confused look. 

“ Amor , ven aca !” Mrs. McClain shouted from the kitchen. 

“ Estoy cansado ,” He muttered a few more words in Spanish before continuing his ascent up the stairs, his shoes thudding against the carpet. 

Lance tugged Keith to the Kitchen and he didn’t have much of a choice but to follow with the grip Lance had on his wrist. He knew Lance wasn’t angry at him, the grip wasn’t particularly painful, just solid. He could still feel the softness of it but was more focused on not tripping.

The rest of the McClain siblings were sitting at the table– except for Luis and his family, who were nowhere to be seen. Well, not all of them. Caridad was sitting next to Racheal, talking about something for her Quince, which Keith had barely overheard. 

“Ma’ you gotta talk to him,” Lance said, crossing his arms as his mom plated some food. 

Her eyes glanced at Keith, “Why? He said he’s tired, Mijo , let him rest,” She said, handing him a plate. 

“I don’t think he’s tired, I think he doesn’t like that I’m bisexual,” Lance pointed, taking the plate regardless. 

“ Ay , don’t say that. He loves you no matter what.”

“Ma’ he completely ignored his introduction– I know you saw it. He’s always dismisses me when i try to talk about it.” Lance said as she then handed Keith a plate. He happily took it. Another day of Mrs. McClain's food, he’s in mouthwatering food heaven. 

“Thank you,” He muttered, still standing next to Lance. 

“Of course, Soldado ,” She said. “He didn’t ignore Keith because of that and he loves you and all your gayness, he’s just tired, I’m sure he’d love to meet him tomorrow,” She said, motioning for Lance to sit down. 

Lance simply huffed and they followed her instruction. Keith sat in the same spot as the day prior, with Lance next to him and instead of Acxa next to him, it was Caridad. In front of him was Racheal, who was not-so discreetly on her phone under the table. 

They did their prayer and Keith sat quietly once again before eating when everyone else did. 

“Where’s Gorditio ?” Veronica asked, looking around from her spot next to Lance. 

“Apparently Slyvio got into a fight but they couldn’t leave work. So they had to talk to the principal after their afterschool program for a bit,” Mrs. McClain said. 

“Are you serious?” Lance asked. 

They were such a normal family. Instead of dwelling in his thoughts, Keith ate the food in front of him– he would rather be full and sad than hungry and angry. He had been angry too long. 

“Yes. fifth time since he transferred. Principal Williams is considering marking him as a discipline case ,” She said, taking a bite of her food as she quoted the man. No one else reacted but Keith accidentally dropped his fork a little too loud. 

He had been far too familiar with those words. He was a discipline case his entire life, in school and in the law. 

“He’s not a bad kid, he just needs more attention,” Caridad said, “Maybe he has like ADHD or something. Y’know I heard this study that said only eleven point nine percent of Hispanic children between the ages of three and seventeen get diagnosed with a learning disability.” She spat out her statement as she swirled her water around. 

“Really?” Racheal asked, taking a bite of her food. 

“The DSM5 is based off of cisgendered heternormative white boys, so the statistics make sense,” Keith chimed in, taking a sip of water. 

“You like psychology?” Caridad asked, a smile on her face. 

He cleared his throat, lots of eyes on him again, “Uh, I took Introduction to Psychology last summer at AU,” He said, barely above his breath. 

Lance groaned, “Of course you did!” he said, rolling his eyes. Keith laughed a little. 

“Can you tell me about what you learned? I want to become a psychologist,” Caridad said, a smile spread across her face– it was the biggest smile he’d ever seen– and he nodded. “You’re officially the coolest person I know,” She said, holding her hand out for a fist bump to which he reciprocated. 

“ Flaco , you gotta catch up,” Veronica said, nudging his side. “Keith’s way ahead of you academically,” She grinned. Mocking her brother seemed to be a hobby of hers– Keith wasn’t complaining, it was funny. He continued eating, listening to the conversation around him. 

“Hey! I’m taking two ,” he held up two fingers in her face, “AP physics courses next year!” 

She shoved his hand down, “And how many this year?” 

“AP Spanish Language is hard!”

“Lance, you’re Cuban– your first language is Spanish,” Caridad said, raising her eyebrow. 

“Yeah, but it’s Spain Spanish, not Cuban Spanish– two different things, Cari,” He said, crossing his arms. 

“That is true,” Mrs. McClain added. 

“Thank you, Ma’,” Lance said. “Other Spanish speakers don’t make sense,” he grumbled. 

“Especially Chileans,” Racheal mumbled and Lance nodded.

“Watch it, Anna is Chilean,” Marco said, side-eying his sister. 

“You also have a few Chilean cousins,” Mrs. McClain said, pointing her fork at her children. 

Keith didn’t mind all the talking– if anything this way nicer than yesterday. It was calm, background noise while he ate and he didn’t have to talk. He felt Lance’s thigh press against his own as he continued to defend his “Chilean Spanish is its own language” argument. 

Last week, Keith would’ve knocked his lights out for being this close. Okay, that’s dramatic, but he would have at least shouted and pushed him away. Probably toss him a few dirty looks as well. But right now, that warmth against his own leg gave a sense of comfort that Keith didn’t entirely understand. 

Keith had a small smile by the time he had finished eating his food. He didn’t know what the food was called, but he knew it tasted good. He did the same as that morning, placing the plate on the left side of the sink. He waited for Lance to finish defending his argument– which was of course still going on, because Lance was stubborn as a bull. 

“Chilean Spanish is a separate language! Over half of it doesn't make sense!” 

“You just don't speak it, Flaco , it's the same language, just a different dialect,” Marco said. 

“Oh okay, Conejo . Do you speak Chilean Spanish?” Lance asked, placing his hands on his hips. Keith just stood next to him, texting Pidge. 

“I'm learning from Anna, because I care about the languages my partner speaks!” Marco’s eyes flashed to Keith. 

Lance glanced down at Keith, who was far too invested in Plants Vs. Zombies to notice. “Mullet only speaks English! I think– Mi alma?” 

It took him a moment to realize Lance was talking to him, “Uh, I know a lot of Japanese, I wasn't taught Korean though,” He said, looking up. Shiro had taught him Japanese but he could only learn so much in two years. 

“Okay well– that's not relevant, we're talking about Spanish ,” Lance said, waving at Keith. 

“Lance, stop talking in general,” Veronica said, placing her head in her hands. 

“You're just mad because I'm right,” He said. 

“I'm mad because you're wrong and insistent about it.”

“I’m insistent  because I’m right !”

“You have ten seconds.”

“Ten seconds?”

“To run before I grab the bat. Nine.” 

“You won’t.”

She leaned in close, her eyes narrowing, “You wanna bet? Eight.”

Lance booked it up the stairs and Keith finally looked up from his phone. He glanced around before turning and following slowly behind Lance. He wasn’t running if he wasn’t the one getting beat up. He went straight into the guest room, carefully closing the door behind himself. 

Keith heard shuffling and his head jerked up. He saw Lance peeking up from the bed– he was hiding between the bed and the wall opposite to the door. 

“Oh, it’s you,” He said, waving his hand.

“You hid in here?” Keith asked, going back to his game and laying down on his stomach on the bed. 

Lance crouched back down, “She’s not going to look in here first, it saves me time,” He said. 

“I don’t think she’s going to beat you up,” Keith mumbled, he wasn’t sure. 

“She’ll look around for me for a while with the bat before giving up– it’s our tradition whenever I piss her off,” Lance said, keeping his voice quiet. Keith sighed and shook his head. 

Keith was in the midst of opening his laptop to finish his assignment when the door slammed open. Veronica stood there, the McClain grin on her face and a baseball bat in her hand. It had a wrap around the handle and a few cracks in it. There was also a reddish-brown stain that Keith was not going to ask about. 

She abruptly stopped, she pointed the bat around, “Is my brother in here?” she asked, her eyes peering around. 

“Uhh..” Keith trailed off as he pretended to look on the side of the bed and under it. Prompt ignoring Lance’s breath next to him. “No. I haven’t seen him since he ran up the stairs,” He said with a shrug. “Good luck though.”

She squinted her eyes at him, he could see the gears turning in her brain through them. He wasn’t entirely opposed to seeing Lance get beat up, he’d just rather not right now of course. 

“Right, thanks,” She dragged out the letters as she turned to leave. She was about to close the door before she turned her head back. “Keith, you’re a shit liar and Lance I can see your socks in the mirror on the closet door,” She stated, closing the door behind her. 

Lance looked up and Keith and Keith looked down at Lance, staring at each other with slightly wide eyes. It was only a few seconds of silence before Lance bursted out laughing and Keith couldn’t help but follow the queue. 

“How did neither of us see the mirror?” Lance questioned, standing up and stretching his back out. 

“I didn’t even notice it,” Keith said, rubbing his hands over his face before resuming his reading. Lance shook her head with a sigh, plopping down next to Keith, also on his stomach, resting his head against his palms as he looked at Keith’s computer. 

“I think you’re a pretty good liar, considering– y’know,” Lance said, nudging him with his shoulder. Keith spent most of his life lying to people, it was in his blood– his niche, his skill, his talent– maybe it was a little pathological sometimes but he never meant to lie about small things, it’s just a habit. 

“I’ve had practice,” He breathed, making a few corrections on his third slide. 

Lance tilted his head closer to the laptop and incidentally closer to keith. “What’s The Crucible about?” He asked, reading the name slowly. The black and white colors of the slideshow were bright against Lance’s face. 

“It’s a dramatized play about the Salem witch trials. Basically this group of girls led by the main girl Abigail, are going around accusing a bunch of people of witchcraft to cover up their own witchcraft. She even accuses her hook-ups maid, and her hookup’s wife takes the fall for it. But then her hookup stands up for his wife and takes the punishment for her.” he hoped it made sense. 

“What?! Why would he do that if he’s cheating?” Lance asked, turning his head with his jaw dropped. “And why didn’t he just tell the people that this insane chick is going well… insane?”

“They tried to but no one believed them because of Abigail’s good standing with the court. And he took the fall because he loves his wife more than anything,” Keith said. He was glad about his ability to multitask. 

“So the story is about love? You’re reading a love story for an AP class?” lance asked, raising an eyebrow. 

“It’s not a love story, Lance,” Keith said, giving him a side eye. 

“It sounds like one,” He muttered. 

“The story is about the manipulation of blame and how it makes innocent people guilty. It really shows how society can turn so quickly against anyone showing individualism,” Keith gritted, turning to Lance, who he now realized was so close. His words trailed off at the end. 

“That’s much more boring than a love story,” Lance said, reading over whatever Keith had written. He could see the blue eyes gliding over each word. Freckles. He was always counting his freckles. “You used the wrong ‘your’ here,” Lance said, pointing at one of the sentences. 

Keith whipped his head back, “What? No I didn’t,” He said before even reading it. He was right , he used correct grammar. 

“What! I thought it was the other one,” He said. 

“I know the difference between ‘your’ and ‘you’re’,” Keith said, glaring at him again. 

“Whatever,” Lance said, leaning his head against Keith’s, “What’s the presentation about?”

“Do you not have a bed to sleep in?” Keith asked, glancing at the time. It was only seven thirty but he needed to finish this without all the questions. 

“Well, Marco calls Anna everyday after dinner for like fifty billion hours so I usually end up here anyway. You just happen to be in here for me to bother,” He said with a grin, nudging Keith once again. 

Keith took a deep breath and continued his work. He should finish it before eight if he didn’t make too many mistakes. 

“So, what’s it about?”

Another deep breath. “I take two quotes from each Act of the play and I write two literary devices that the author used per quote and how it affected the audience,” He explained. 

“Sounds like a lot.”

“It’s only quotes eight so… sixteen literary devices and explanations,” he said. He was about a quarter way through his rereading. “Way less than she usually gives us. It’s probably because we already wrote an essay on it.” He was more talking to himself than Lance. 

“Why’d you take so many APs?” He asked. 

“Why are you asking so many questions?” Keith asked, he didn’t intend for his tone to come out that way. 

Lance didn’t seem to be faltered by it, “I wanna get to know you. I know like nothing about you and after all this, I don’t know, it’d be nice to stay friends,” Lance said quietly, glancing off to the side. 

Lance thought they were friends? 

Were they friends?

Keith hadn’t really thought about it. It wasn’t that he didn’t have friends, he had Pidge and Allura and Matt– they were friends. He never really made friends throughout his life, he moved around too much for that. Was constitutes as a friend? 

Yeah, Lance annoyed that crap out of him most days and sometimes he wanted to punch his lights out but he had only known him for a week and a half and they had already gotten close enough for this. Did friendships move this fast? He met Pidge through Matt and Shiro, so they didn’t really need to ‘grow’ close, he just was. 

Did he consider Lance a friend?

“We could make a game out of it!”

“Oh, you’re really bored,” Keith said, laughing a bit. 

“I am! And my fake boyfriend isn’t giving me attention,” Lance said. 

“You’re really milking this, aren’t you?”

“Yes.” He proudly said, rolling the other way to lay on his back and stare at the ceiling. He kept working on his assignment, he had done pretty well in his first go through, just a few mistypes. “I’ll stop bothering you while you work if you agree to play a game with me,” Lance offered, raising an eyebrow. 

“Depends, what’s the game?”

“Twenty-one questions.” Keith blinked at him a few times. “Like the game where you take turns asking each other questions but it’s limited to twenty-one,” Lance explained. 

Keith cringed, “What are we, twelve?” 

“It’s fun, mullet, have you never had fun before- don’t answer that I already know the answer.” 

“Oh shut up, I have fun.”

“Beating people up isn’t typical fun.”

“The definition of fun is relative.”

“You’re relative.”

Keith let out a breath. “Will you stop talking?” He asked. 

“If you play, I will shut up until you’re done,” He declared. Keith wasn’t very confident in Lance's ability to shut up but he was willing to take the chance to get this project done. 

“I’ll play the stupid game,” He murmured. 

Lance gave a thumbs up and pulled out his phone to entertain himself. 

He was true to his word, he didn’t utter a single word as Keith worked– he had to glance back a few times to see if he was even still there. He was every time, typing away on his phone in silence. Keith assumed he was texting someone. 

It was eight by the time he submitted it. Lance was still sitting there on his phone when Keith got up to put his laptop away. 

“You still gonna play twenty-one questions?” Lance asked as Keith zipped his backpack closed. 

“I am, unfortunately, a man of my word,” He said, sitting against the headboard. Lance sat up too, still on his phone. So, Keith pulled out his to continue his game from earlier. “But if you ask me what the meaning of life is or something like that I’ll get the bat,” He said, sending a glare to Lance. 

“Yeah, yeah, I’m not boring,” Lance said. “I’ll go first, what’s your favorite color? Black?” He asked, a small grin on his face. 

Keith glared up at him, “Red. What’s yours?”

“Blue.”

“Let me guess, because it’s the color of your eyes?”

“You like looking at my eyes, Mullet?” 

“Shut up.” He didn’t look up from his phone but he felt the grin grow. 

“If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you want to go?” He asked. 

“I would want to go to Korea,” Keith said. 

“Why?”

“Does that count as a question?”

“No.”

Keith waited a beat of silence before answering, “My mom and dad were born there.” That answer seemed to make sense to Lance, as he hummed in response. 

“I’d go to Paris or something,” He said with a shrug. 

“Lance McClain in the city of love? That would be hilarious,” Keith said with a small laugh. 

“Hey, my flirting skills are top tier!”

“Sure they are.”

“I have dated a lot of people, y’know,” Lance said, putting his phone to the side. 

“Sure.” Keith didn’t want to keep having this conversation but it was fun to torment Lance 

“I have!”

“Mhm,” Keith nodded, not very believably. 

“Oh, you’re just fucking with me!” He grumbled, crossing his arms.

Keith smiled, “A stroke of genius,” He fake gasped. 

“I hate you.”

“It’s reciprocated.” 

“Next question,” Lance said, sticking his leg out and placing it on Keith’s. 

“Uhh,” he thought for a moment. He wasn’t good at icebreakers in school and this seemed like one of them. “When’s your birthday?”

“I thought we weren’t asking boring questions?” Lance asked, leaning back on his palms. Keith shot him scowl. “July twenty-eighth, I’m a Leo,” he said with a huff. 

“Of course you know the star signs.”

“What! Let me guess, you’re a Scorpio, that’s why you’re so mean to me.”

“I’m mean to everyone, not just you.”

“Let me feel special, Scorpio,” Lance said, waving his hand at him. If he did that again Keith might break it. “When’s your birthday? I just know you’re a scorpio,” Lance said, narrowing his eyes. 

“October twenty third,” He said. 

“I am right! Scorpio!” He shouted. 

“ Flaco, callate !” A voice echoed upstairs. Keith chuckled a little when Lance's cheering abruptly stopped. 

“Proud of yourself?” Keith asked sarcastically but Lance nodded, very proudly. 

“Your turn,” He said, th shit eating McClain grin on his face. 

“What does ‘Mi alma’ mean?” he asked, sliding his phone away, he had lost and did not want to keep playing the game for now. 

“Oh,” Lance said, slightly taken aback by the question. “It means ‘My soul’,” His voice was just above his breath and Keith wasn’t entirely sure if he heard him right. 

“Why do you call me that?” Keith asked with a tilt of his head. “There’s like a billion other nicknames.”

“Does that count as a question?”

“No.”

Lance huffed out a little breath, “My grandma called my grandfather that and I always told my ma’ that if I ever brought anyone home I would call them ‘Mi alma’. So it’s just following along with… everything ,” He said, gesturing to the room. 

“It’s not real, so you shouldn't call me that,” Keith said, softening his gaze at the look on Lance’s face. Remorseful. 

“I don’t mind, besides, my ma’ is stuck on it now, so I can’t go back,” He shrugged. He cleared his throat, “My turn!” His tone changed in seconds.

“How many questions are we at?” Keith asked. 

“This is question number six,” Lance said and Keith groaned. At least his project was done. “What’s the scar from?” He pointed to Keith’s face.  He knew which one he was referring to. 

It wasn’t a big one, just a small skinny triangle shape that extended from his chin to his cheek, a slight pink color. He mostly forgot about it as everyone he talked to knew what it was already or just never asked. 

“Birthmark I think, I’ve always had it,” He said. He was surprised Lance didn’t ask sooner about it. 

“Boo. I thought I was about to hear a cool fight story,” Lance sighed. 

“I’m not some fictional character, Lance.”

Lance sighed, “My fake boyfriend is so boring,” He said, whispering it again. 

“Whatever. Do you have any ‘cool’ scars?” Keith asked, raising an eyebrow. 

Lance raised a finger, “Actually–,” He cut himself off, scrambling to stand up. 

Before Keith could say anything– literally anything – Lance was tugging his shirt off and turning around. The freckles on his face extended to his back, and he could see the lean muscle– since when did Lance have muscle? Lance bent his arm and pointed at his back with his thumb. 

There was a large blast-like scar, a few shades paler than his skin and tinted red. A few dots of it were scattered around his back and Keith couldn’t help but stare at it. He could see the large grin on Lance’s face at his shockness. 

“In ninth grade, I went with my Pa to his work and some like, boiling hot water splashed on me,” He said, turning back around. “Well, it didn’t necessarily splash, some guy walked into me by accident. My Ma’ almost killed him,” He said, slipping his shirt back on. For a moment Keith wanted to object, wanted to stare at him for just a second longer but he didn’t. He turned his gaze downward. 

“Damn.” It was all Keith could think to say. He would’ve killed the guy too if he knew Lance then. 

“I think it’s cool as shit, all the ladies love it,” He said, laying down flat on his back like he had done earlier. “Guys just say it’s cool and move on.” Keith could hear the pout in his voice. 

“You want guys to like it?”

“Well I am attracted to guys, you know that,” Lance said with a shrug. 

“Well, I’m a guy.”

Lance blinked a few times before tilting his head, “Yeah, I know that?” He said, looking like a confused puppy. 

And Keith was about to tell him he liked it, about to tell him that it complimented his skin and how his smile was wider when he talked about it. How it fit him, how the scar blended into his back and accentuated the muscle in it. 

But he didn’t. He kept his mouth shut. 

“Nevermind.” He settled with. “Next question.”

“Uh, okay,” Lance said. “This one you don’t have to answer, I’m just curious but I can totally ask a different one–”

“Just ask the question,” Keith said, resting his legs on Lance’s hip again. 

“Last night, Acxa said your brain was wired differently, or something like that. What did she mean?” He asked. 

Keith stared up at the ceiling. He knew exactly what she meant but it never occurred to him that Lance didn’t put all the hints together in his head. It didn’t feel like twenty-four hours, it felt like much longer. The passage of time was a weird concept. 

“Hey, Samurai,” Lance said, poking his ankle. “If you don’t want to answer you don’t have to,” He assured. 

“No, I just– phrasing it is weird,” He said. Lance nodded. “I, uh, am autistic, so my brain is literally wired differently than allistic people,” He said. “Not a lot of people know and I don’t usually tell people unless it’s needed because people tend to either look at me weird or just not believe me–”

“That’s it?” Lance interrupted, turning to him with brows furrowed. 

“What?” Keith questioned, turning to stare at Lance. 

“I thought– well I don’t know what I thought but I didn’t think it was that,” He said. “That’s cool though, so like you think differently?” He asked. 

“Not just that,” Keith said. It was weird to talk about it in such a colloquial way, he was used to the professionalism of it. “I also have sensory issues, I get overstimulated, I experience some emotions more intensely– etcetera. It affects almost every aspect of my life” He explained.

Lance hummed, taking a few moments before speaking again, “Cari was studying different disorders and had me quiz her on them a few weeks ago. There was a question about like, special interests? I think they’re called that.” Keith nodded. “Do you have any of those?”

“Can I count that as a question for the game?” 

Lance rolled his eyes, “Sure,” He said, very dramatically. 

“I do. Nuclear chemistry is one of them. Knives are another. I also really love conspiracy theories,” He said. 

“That makes sense,” Lance smirked. 

“What does that mean?”

“You’re emo of course you like conspiracy theories and knives and nuclear chemistry ,” Lance said. Keith could tell Lance was just messing with him but he still kicked his hip anyway. “Hey!” he said, rubbing where Keith kicked. 

“I’m not emo,” he said. 

“Whatever you say, guyliner,” Lance said and Keith kicked him a second time. “Ow! Stop kicking me,” He huffed. 

“Next question, Lance,” Keith said, crossing his arms. 

“It’s your turn!” He said, glaring at Keith. 

“Oh,” he said. “Uh, what’s the longest you’ve ever dated someone?” he asked. 

“My second girlfriend and it was for a total of two weeks in ninth grade,” He said with pride. 

“A whole two weeks, huh?” Keith teased, holding back a laugh. He thought it would’ve been much longer. 

“You have no room to judge me, you’ve never even dated anyone!” Lance defended. 

Keith shrugged, “I’m making fun of you, not judging you. Two different things.”

“Explode right now,” Lance said, poking his finger into the mattress. 

“You would be sad,” He smiled, tilting his head. 

“Ugh,” Lance groaned. “Moving on from my wonderful dating life,” he said, accentuating the word which made Keith snicker a little, “Did you go to Garrison Middle?” He asked. 

“Why do you want to know?”

“You never answered me the first day and I swear on everything good, I recognize you from somewhere.” He swiped a hand through the air as he spoke. 

“I did but in the middle of eighth I was kicked out,” He said. 

“I knew it!- Wait, why were you kicked out?” He asked, turning onto his side and resting his head in his palm, Keith’s legs dropped to the mattress. 

“Can I count that?”

Lance exhaled, “Sure.” 

“Disciplinary issues. I kept getting in fights,” He said. “How many questions are left?”

“Uh,” Lance did a count on his fingers, mumbling to himself. “Nine, I think,” He said. “You were getting in fights when you were thirteen?” 

“I’ve been getting in fights since elementary, Lance,” He stated. Lance went to ask another question but Keith shushed him. “My turn. What’s the worst thing about being an influencer?” he asked. He wasn’t on social media and didn’t fully understand the concept of an influencer but he was still curious. 

Lance stretched his legs out, “Probably all the expectations. At first it wasn’t bad but recently, the floods of comments about people wanting me to test a certain product or asking why a video is two hours late– It’s ridiculous. It’s like they forget I’m a person ,” He said, talking with his hands.

That hit Keith hard. He hadn’t treated Lance as a person in his head for a while. He was guilty of the same thing and he wasn’t even online. Has he changed his behavior? Lance McClain was a person and he deserved to be treated as one despite his job and his role in Keith’s plan. Regardless of how much Lance annoyed him, he deserved to be known. 

“People suck,” Keith said. 

Lance nodded, “People suck,” He agreed. 

The silence made a shiver run down Keith’s spine, “Next question.”

“How did you meet Acxa?” He asked, turning onto his back once again. Keith placed his feet back on him. It was comfortable. 

Keith raised his brow, a small smirk coming across his face, “You really want to know, huh?” 

“Uh, yeah! You’re so secretive and broody, it’s fun to know things about you,” He said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Keith didn’t get it.

“What is said about Acxa in this room, is never said to anyone else, understand?” Keith stated. He wasn’t going to ruin her life in this process.

“Yeah.”

“Lance, I’m being serious. Your family can’t know until Acxa is ready to tell them.”

“I won’t say a single thing.” He made a zipper motion over his lips. 

“If you do, I'll kick your ass,” he threatened. “I met her three years ago when we both ran away from our foster families, we escaped the police station together and went and did a bunch of stupid immature and illegal stuff,” He said, slightly enjoying how Lance’s jaw dropped. “We got caught a few times, but eventually, she turned eighteen and was able to get a life for herself and Shiro adopted me. We kept doing a few stupid things for the first year, like we spray painted some racist guys house–”

“That’s the vandalism charge?”

“Yep,” He nodded. “She also pierced my lip when she came over. About a year ago, she met your sister and got her act together,” Keith explained.

“‘Nica helped someone be better? That’s surprising, she always thought it was Acxa who encouraged her to be better,” Lance said, staring at the popcorn ceiling. 

“It was definitely the other way around. Acxa is much–” His phone started buzzing. He glanced down and–

Speak of the lesbian. 

“Who is it?” 

Keith answered, holding the phone to his ear– just in case. “Hey, Acxa.” Lance made a small ‘ah’ sound and went back to looking at the ceiling. 

“Hey, so y’know how Harlow found out I was the source and all that?” She was speaking barely above a whisper. 

“Right.” Keith turned his volume up a little so Lance could hear. 

He heard some shuffling in the back, “I was cleaning my car out–”

“It’s nine at night, why are you–?”

“Don’t question me, Keith,” she said. “As I was saying, I found this card in my backseat, it was from when I drove one of my coworkers home and it has Harlow’s phone number on it,” She said.

“Are you being serious?” He immediately sat up, crossing his legs under him.

“Keith, why would I joke about this?” she asked. “It says Garrett Harlow and a bunch of other information. It was before all the stuff came out and he hit on my coworker and gave her his business card. I thought she threw it away but— anyway, the point is. You said you have a friend that’s really good with tech, right?”

“Yeah, Pidge,” He said.

“Maybe they could track it or something?” She asked. 

“Send me a photo of the card and I’ll call her,” He said. Lance tilted his head. 

“Isn’t she in–?” Keith hushed him. 

“Is that Lance?” Acxa asked, her voice louder. 

“No,” He said quickly. 

“Keith, don’t lie to me. Why is Lance in your room?” 

“It’s not my room, it's the guest room at their house and we were talking,” Keith said, matter-of-a-factly. 

“We were playing twenty-one questions,” Lance, so proudly corrected. 

He heard Acxa start laughing, “The flirting game? You were playing a flirting game with Lance McClain?” Her laughing didn’t stop. 

“We were not playing a flirting game, Acxa,” Keith said with a huff. 

“Veronica and I played twenty-one questions and her twenty-first question was asking me to be her girlfriend,” Acxa stated and Keith could feel her eyes through the phone. 

“That’s you , not me.”

“Whatever you say, Kid, whatever you say,” She still had a hint of laughter behind her words. 

“Y’know what, I’m going to call Pidge, have fun cleaning your car,” Keith said, pulling the phone away from his ear. 

“I will! Keep me updated,” She said, right before he hung up. 

Lance made a popping sound with his mouth, “So, isn’t Pidge in Italy?” he asked, sitting upright and mimicking Keith’s sitting position. 

“She is, but she’ll answer,” Keith said as he pressed the call button. It rang a few times before the click. 

“Keith, it’s five in the morning, what do you want?” her voice was groggy but quiet. 

“We’ve got a lead on Harlow,” He forwarded the photo to Pidge. 

“Dude, I’m half-asleep right now, I need more context,” She said. 

“It’s his business card. Is there any way you could track the number and send me his location or something?” He asked. 

“Oh, you want me to do more illegal stuff?”  She asked, her voice perking up. 

“Well, I know you have fun so…” 

“I do, I really do,” She seemed much more awake now, “Let me grab my laptop,” She said. He heard a small thud and he assumed she placed the phone down. 

He noticed the confused look on Lance’s face, “Why does she wake up at five in the morning on vacation?”

“She didn’t wake up, she was still awake.” 

“That’s not good for the pores,” Lance noted and Keith rolled his eyes. “My sleep schedule is what makes my skin so flawless,” he said, model posing. 

“Okay, I’m back. I’m hiding in the hotel bathroom right now,” She said. He heard typing start. “God forbid my mother get a hotel with good wifi,” She muttered. 

“Maybe she didn’t want you on technology,” Lance interjected. 

“Keith, why is Lance with you?” 

“I’m staying at his house while Shiro’s in the hospital. He would not let me stay anywhere else,” Keith explained. “Their guest room is really nice though,” he said, glancing around. 

“Thank you, we take care of it,” Lance said. “Well, Ma’ does,” He mumbled. 

“Well, that’s going to be an experience,” She said, just under her breath and barely audible to the speakers. Before keith could say anything she quickly added, “Okay, so small problem,”

“What?” Keith and Lance said at the same time. 

“The software I usually use for stalking is going to take me a few hours to download, so it won’t be ready until…” he heard her do some math out loud. “Two in the morning, italy time, so about…” A bit more of outloud math. “Eight at night, your time,” She said. 

“Tomorrow?” Keith questioned. 

“No, next week,” She joked but that didn’t process in either boy’s brain. “Yes, tomorrow,” She said, rolling her eyes. They couldn’t tell but they could feel it. 

“Okay, so I’ll figure out a way to sneak out tomorrow night,” Keith said. “Thanks, Pidge.”

“Anytime, especially when it’s illegal stuff,” She said proudly. The phone clicked off. 

Lance was staring at him, “You’re going after him again?” He asked. 

“Yeah? That’s the plan, Lance, it’s always been the plan.”

“I know, but last time you were out there you almost got gutted like a fish,” He said, his brows furrowing together. 

“ Almost . And that’s because he expected me to come. This time he won’t be, if there’s a possibility I can stop him without having to ask your niece, I’m going to try,” He stated. 

“Then I’m coming with you,” He said. 

“Lance, you aren’t. I can’t ask you to do that.”

“You’re not asking and you don’t get to tell me what to do,” He said. “I’m going with you tomorrow night.” His tone was steady and stern, Keith was slightly taken aback by it. 

He wasn’t going to sit here and argue with Lance. He couldn’t. It was Lance’s family. It was Lance who stopped Harlow from whatever he was going to inflict upon Keith a few nights ago. He couldn’t tell him not to. 

“Okay.”

Lance twisted his head back to Keith, “That’s it?”

“What?”

“Just ‘okay’? No arguing?” 

“Do you want me to argue with you?”

“No– no, just surprised. I expected a lot more yelling.”

Keith shook his head. No more arguing. 

…

For now. 

Chapter Text

“Hey,” Shiro’s voice rang through the phone. Keith could hear the weariness of it, it had only been forty-eight hours since his surgery and he knew he was in pain. 

“How are you feeling?” Keith knew the answer but asked anyway. 

“As best as I can,” He said, coughing a little. “The doctor said there’s a little progress but not very much. She said a three more days minimum until we reassess.”

“Hm,” He hummed in response. 

“What’re your plans for the night?” Keith could hear him adjust the phone against his ear. 

Keith bit his lip piercing, “Nothing much, just staying in. We just ate dinner and Lance and I are watching a movie,” He said, making a left turn. 

Acxa, who was having a date night with Veronica, ever-so kindly offered to let him use her car. Lance sat in the passenger seat and held Keith’s phone up to his ear while he drove. Pidge had sent them Harlow’s location about fifteen minutes ago and they immediately told Mrs. McClain they were going out for a little milkshake date. She said to be home before ten– they could easily do that. 

But, obviously he wasn’t telling Shiro that. 

“That sounds nice. Have you talked to Pidge? Matt said they’re all having fun in Italy,” He said. “Well, maybe not Pidge, Colleen said she’s been on her phone the entire time.”

“I texted her a bit ago but the wifi sucks ass so we both kinda gave up on it,” He said, almost missing the turn .He crossed in front of  someone quickly and the person behind him honked. He winced a little, hoping Shiro didn't hear. He was wrong.

“What was that?” His tone was filled with concern. 

“Just the movie,” Lance chimed in quickly. Keith mentally thanked his ability to lie quickly. “It’s one of those really high tense scenes,” He added in hopes Shiro believed them. 

“Ah, well, Adam left a bit ago and I’m probably going to get some rest. Don’t stay up too late and don’t forget to do your homework,” He said, Keith could hear a small yawn in the middle of his sentence. 

Keith nodded, despite Shiro not being able to see him, “I won’t,” He said with a small sigh. 

“Lance, make sure he doesn’t.” Keith rolled his eyes. 

“I won’t!” Lance said with a smirk. 

“ I remind him ,” Keith noted. 

“Right,” Shiro said, not very convinced. “Well, enjoy your movie, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” 

“Yep,” He said, motioing for Lance to hang up, he did. 

Lance huffed, “That was close.”

“Can you pull up the location? I don’t remember if I make a left or a right at the next light,” He asked. He leaned back a little and felt his knife weighing down on his back under his hoodie. 

“Left up at the light,” Lance answered. “How’s your cuts doing? I noticed no gauze, is it fully healed?”

“Mostly. They’re closed,” He said.

“Do they still hurt?”

“Obviously, but I’ll survive.”

“Whatever you say, Mullet– Right at that stop sign and into the parking lot– but when you end up in the hospital because they didn’t heal correctly, don’t come whining to me.”

Keith rolled his eyes, “You’re the last person I’d go ‘whining’ to,” He mumbled. 

Lance rolled his eyes. “Whatever you say, Mullet. It says he’s about five hundred feet in front of us,” Lance said, glancing up between Keith’s phone. 

“He’s here?” Keith questioned, parking in the far back of the lot. He leaned forward and looked out the windshield. 

In front of them was a large plaza with multiple signs promoting stores. There was a large flashing sign that read “Altea Plaza” In bold letters. Palm trees littered the parking lot and a few were scattered near the entrance. There were a handful of cars scattered throughout the lot, foggy from the cold and there was a notable group of teenagers spray painting something on one of the cars. Keith couldn’t make out what it was but he didn’t bother to. 

Keith turned to Lance, “Are you sure this is the right spot?” He asked, taking his phone back. 

“I know how to read a map,” He said, crossing his arms. 

“This is weird,” Keith muttered, raising an eyebrow as he looked back out. 

“Do you think it’s another set up?” 

“It might be, grab the gun out of the glove box,” Keith said, sliding his bandana out from his pocket. He did remember to bring it. 

“You brought a gun to my house?!” Lance asked, his voice raising and his eyebrows furrowing, turning to Keith with a look of pure anger. Keith was slightly taken aback, Lance looked about two seconds away from using that gun on him.

“What? No! Acxa keeps a spare in her car and she said we could use it if we needed to,” Keith said, handing Lance the extra bandana. Keith held onto it when Lance reached for it, his fingers inches away from Keith’s. Their eyes were fixed on the other, Lance’s eyes narrowing on him. “I wouldn’t bring a gun into a house with kids,” He said, letting go and letting Lance take it.

Lance didn’t say anything and tied the bandana around the back of his head before putting the black gloves on that were sitting in the glove compartment. Keith didn’t wait for him, slipping out of the car and sliding a hoodie over his head. Eventually, he heard Lance’s footsteps quickly approach him from behind, the crunches of gravel below his converse grew closer and closer until they were directly next to him.

They easily snuck past the teenagers, who didn’t even spare a glance their way, and walked onto the property. Lance followed close behind him with the gun tucked away in his hoodie pocket. He was fidgeting with the hoodie around his head, earning a glance from Keith, who was messing with his lip piercing under the bandana. 

The stores were all shut tight, padlocks and metal bars enclosing them. There was a cool breeze going through the plaza that the two could feel just through the hoodies. The only sources of light were a few poles that littered throughout the area, casting faint shadows behind them. They kept close to the doors and walls, keeping in mind to stay out of the center of the walkway where tables, chairs, and decorative plants sat. 

Keith pulled out his phone and checked the exact location, just around the corner in front of them. He had to be quick, come up with a simple plan. 

“I should come back during the day, this place’ll make a nice vlog–” Keith quickly plastered a hand over Lance’s mouth, shutting him up through the mask.  He shot him a glare before dropping his hand. Lance made a dramatic shrug motion. Keith then rolled his eyes and showed Lance his phone, and he made a small ‘O’ shape with his mouth. 

Keith motioned for Lance to follow close behind and he did. Keith opened the camera app on his phone and pressed his back against the wall, just out of sight. He held his phone up and flipped the camera to see around the corner. 

He could see Harlow– he’ll have to thank Pidge again later– sitting down at one of the tables, a security guard uniform dawning on his body. His head was down, staring at a video on his phone, Keith could see the light wireless earbuds, contrasting against the dark baseball cap. He glanced over him as best he could in the darkness and he saw nothing too harmful. Just a taser in his pocket. 

He glanced back at Lance, poking his jacket pocket and hoping Lance understood that meant to take the gun out. Unfortunately, Lance tilted his head. Keith held back a huff and reached into Lance’s pocket himself, taking the weapon out and handing it to him. Lance made another small ‘O’ shape. 

Keith tucked his phone away and unsheathed his knife as he stepped out from behind the corner. He walked forward– Harlow had yet to notice them– and held out his knife. He could hear Lance behind him, his footsteps light but in the silence Keith could hear them clearly. He was only about a foot away when Harlow glanced up and saw him. 

Keith waited for a look of surprise, shock, hatred, guiltiness– anything of the sort but instead he got a smirk. Harlow sat there, the tip of Keith’s knife centimeters away from his throat and a phone still in his hands, playing whatever video he was watching, with a smirk covering his face. 

“The hell are you smiling about?” Keith asked, keeping his voice low and steady. This couldn’t be good. Lance was right, this was a set up. Keith couldn’t let that stop him from trying. 

Harlow adjusted himself in his seat as best he could without getting the knife any closer. “I really thought you’d be deterred after our last encounter– How are those wounds doing?”

“Eat shit, Harlow,” Keith said, pressing the knife even closer, he felt a small pain course through the area at the memory.

“I tried to be nice– I’m not sure how you found me this time but I’m sure I’ll figure it out,” He said, taking a headphone out. “And after I got that cop shot? I could’ve sworn you’d back off,” He said, waving his hand in the air as if his words suddenly meant nothing. 

“Excuse me?” Keith questioned, stepping closer, keeping the knife steady despite his hand wanting to shake. His brows furrowed as he tried to make sense of the words coming out of Harlow’s mouth. 

“Do you not watch the news? The captain of the APD was shot and I paid for it to happen. I really thought it would at least frighten you–” He was cut off by Keith punching him directly in the face, effectively breaking his nose. Keith dropped his knife and pulled Harlow close by the collar of his shirt, bunching it in his fist. 

“You got Shiro shot?” He asked, going to punch him again. He could feel his knuckles tingle from where it was going to bruise in the morning, but it was nothing compared to the pure and unfiltered rage coursing through him. He lifted Harlow a little higher, just off the chair he had been sitting in. 

Harlow didn’t bother wiping the blood that was dripping down his face, letting his arms fall to his side as he grinned at Keith. “That’s his name? My source said it was Takashi–” Keith punched him again. Harlow shook his head, this time wiping the blood off his chin, “I’d stop hitting me if I was you,” He said, before he spit out some blood onto the pavement. 

“Why the hell would I do that?” He asked, he could see his knuckles turning white from his grip. Harlow didn’t say anything but instead pointed behind them. Keith almost didn’t glance behind him but it was Lance behind him– he had to risk it.

His eyes trailed Harlow’s finger behind them and saw a masked figure towering over Lance, a hand pressing against his mouth and the other pressed a gun against his neck.Keith scanned Lance for the gun he had– it laid on the floor a few feet in front of him. He hadn’t even heard the gun fall to the floor but it was there. He could see the fear filling Lance’s face, his eyes were squeezed shut as he attempted to breath through his nose. 

“Either you let me go and stop coming after me or your friend dies,” Harlow said. 

“You wouldn’t kill anyone– you’ve never–”

“I never said I’d kill him. I have friends too, I’ve had my friend here follow me around and keep me safe from people like you . It’s funny because I almost told him not to come tonight. It’s a good thing I did, right?” Harlow pointed. 

Keith’s eyes hadn’t left Lance, but his grip hadn’t left Harlow’s shirt. The man holding Lance was tall and Keith could see a glimpse of white hair underneath the hood and mask. He was tall and the grip he had on Lance looked bruising and Keith wanted nothing more than to punch him.

He knew the risk of what he does- he’s always known the risk- he’s suffered the consequences of it before over and over and over again. He knew how to handle situations like this when he was alone, he’s done this before he’s been in this situation before with Acxa- who could handle her own. But never with Lance. He thought he understood the risk of Lance coming along, he thought the worst to happen was him getting a little hurt. He could’ve never guessed this. 

He was a good predictor when it came to Harlow but now there was an unknown pawn in this game Harlow forced them to play. He could stop Harlow once and for all, possibly take down the other guy, get Harlow arrested and get justice. His plan could end right here, right now and he could stop everything.

But Lance’s eyes opened. 

And the shades of blue looked at him with care. Not the fear or anger he was expecting but a considerate, sympathetic look that didn’t match the fearful one on his face. Lance’s hand gripped the man’s arm, holding on tightly. Lance wasn’t Acxa but he was strong in his own way– in a way that subconsciously convinced Keith to bring him along. He was stubborn but he wasn’t bullet proof. Keith’s eyes met his and they seemed to argue for a moment. Lance’s eyes squinted but Keith didn’t regard it. 

Instead, Keith dropped Harlow's shirt, letting him fall roughly onto the chair, and picked up his knife, not turning around to face him. If he saw him again he would kill him. He heard Harlow whistle and the man let go of his grip on Lance and holstered his gun in a hidden place beneath his jacket, who scrambled for the gun immediately. Keith glared at the man as he circled back to standing next to Harlow. 

“You good?” Keith asked, his eyes fixed on Lance still, placing a hand onto his shoulder. 

“Y-yeah, I’m fine,” He said, clearing his throat, his eyes flickering to Keith’s hand. 

“Let’s go,” He said, reaching down and grabbing Lance’s arm. He turned both of them and began walking away. 

“Oh, and if I ever see you again, Keith , I’ll find your home and unlike you my source doesn’t disappoint,” Harlow’s voice echoed through his ears. He knew his name. 

He knew who Keith was– he found out through whoever found Shiro’s information. He didn’t stop and instead continued pulling Lance behind him, he couldn’t gamble the possibility of Harlow knowing he was right.  A billion thoughts were running through his head as he walked, repeating themselves over and over again; Harlow was the one who got Shiro shot. Harlow knew Keith’s name. Harlow threatened Lance. Harlow had a partner and knew Keith had his own.

Before he realized it they were already at Acxa’s car and Keith had his head slammed against the steering wheel. He heard Lance close the door next to him. His hands were beside his head and holding on tightly to the steering wheel. He could feel Lance’s eyes glued onto him. 

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Keith asked, his voice muffled against the steering wheel.

“Yeah, I’m good,” He said but Keith didn’t believe it. 

“You’re not coming on another one of these,” Keith said, sitting up and running his hands over Acxa’s fuzzy purple steering wheel cover. He slid off the gloves and noticed the bruising already started, the redness standing out against his pale skin. His ring finger knuckle had some blood dripping down it from a split in his skin.

Lance turned to him, as he slid off the bandana, “If I’m not going then neither are you,” he said, crossing his arms. Keith ignored the blood and slid on the fingerless gloves, adjusting it to hide the bruising. 

“This is my plan and mission, and it puts you in danger tonight and that’s not happening again, Lance,” He said, starting the car. The air conditioning washed over their bodies and Keith hadn’t realized his bangs were stuck to his temples from the sweat. 

“It stopped being just your plan when you told me about it– besides I have to come with or you don’t have an excuse!” Lance said.

“I will not be putting your life in danger,” Keith said. “I can come up with another plan. I’m not risking it anymore, Lance.”

“You’re not, I am choosing this. He hurt my niece, I don’t care what it takes Keith, she deserves justice. I can handle a few bruises, you almost got fileted by him!”

“What happens to me doesn’t matter. I will make sure Caridad gets the justice she deserves, I just have to do it alone,” Keith said. The entire time his eyes had been locked forward, staring into the flashing sign. 

“You don’t have a choice in this matter, I am going to be helping you,” Lance stated sternly, “At least in any way I can,” He added, still with the same stern tone just a tad quieter. 

“I already said no.”

“And I already said it isn’t your decision.”

“You don’t get to dictate what decisions I make and what I don’t– I determine that, I always have and you are not a facet in my decision making abilities,” Keith said. 

“You don’t get to dictate this either! Cari is my niece, she is my entire world and I was supposed to protect her– I am her uncle and I couldn’t protect her when I needed to the most!” He shouted, his voice cracking a handful of times, and Keith went silent. “I’m going to help catch the person who hurt her because I couldn’t protect her then but I can protect her and try to help you protect other people,” He said, taking a deep breath.

Keith was about to say something else but Lance hushed him, placing a hand over his mouth just as Keith had done earlier. “And what happens to you, does matter. It matters to Shiro, to Pidge and their family, to my Ma’, to Cari, to me . Despite what was– I’m assuming– beaten into your brain, people care about you, you’re important.”

Keith moved back a little, Lance’s hand dropping, his eyebrows still furrowed and his mouth in a tight line as he stared at the boy in the passenger seat, who’s eyes were staring out the windshield and filling with tears. He held his breath– he was scared to let any out. He needed to get out of this parking lot, his chest hurt and Lance was about to cry– they both needed to get out of there.

 He didn’t say anything as he started driving. It was quiet, he felt Lance’s occasional glance over at him. He heard Lance hiding the gun back in the glove box and the rubber of the gloves snapping off. He risked a glance over when he they stopped at a red light. 

Lance was still staring directly out the windshield. In this darkness, he couldn’t see the freckles on his face or the shades of blue in his eyes. He wanted to pull over, somewhere in the light and count his freckles– but that would be weird. He can’t do that. Instead, he turned his eyes back to the road and drove when the light turned green. 

He had a different idea. 

“You were supposed to make a left back there,” Lance commented, his voice stern despite the redness in his eyes.

He cleared his throat, “I know.”

“Where are we going?” He felt Lance glance over at him.

“I can’t tell you.” He made a right and entered a less populated area, he knew where he was, the lesser known area of the city of Altea. Shiro had taken him over here a handful of times. 

“Are you gonna murder me or something? That would be really lame, Mullet.”

Keith rolled his eyes, “I’m not murdering you, Lance.”

“Are you sure? Because I’ve watched a lot of crime shows with Marco and this is usually how they start,” Lance said, crossing his arms over his chest. 

“Shut up, I’m not killing you,” He said. “Not today at least,” He added with a small smile. 

“Hey!” Lance said, sending a glare his way. 

Keith turned into another parking lot. There was one building in it, a crappily lit area with a sign that was barely working. A large light pole was in the center of the lot, illuminating the area better. The flashing neon sign read “ Kaltenecker’s Milkshakes ” In a cursive blue font that flashed off every few seconds. There were two cars in the lot, one Keith recognized and parked next to. It was a small pink convertible with some stickers decorating the dashboard. 

“We’re getting milkshakes ?” Lance asked, reading the sign as Keith parked. 

“We are getting milkshakes,” Keith repeated, stepping out of the car and patting his pocket to make sure his wallet was there. 

“After all that we’re getting milkshakes?” Lance asked, getting out of the car regardless of his question, closing the door behind him and sparing a glance at the car next to them. 

Keith stopped in his tracks, not turning around. “Do you not want any?” He asked. 

“No, I do but–” 

“Then shut up and follow me inside,” He said, walking to the door again. Keith held the door open for Lance, who hadn’t said another word, “Also, we’re fake dating in here, don’t forget,” Keith said as Lance walked in. He was about to turn around to ask when someone inside spoke. 

“Oh, hey Keith and unknown person,” Allura greeted. She looked strange in her apron. She had a pair of blue jeans underneath the apron and a long sleeve white shirt that accentuated her dark skin. Her hair was tied up in a tight braided bun and she had a few colorful hair clips in it. She made a customer service uniform look elegant. 

“Hey, ‘Lura,” He said, approaching the counter. It was cold inside the nineties diner. It was small with worn out red cushioned booths and a handful of tables. There was no one inside but the tables were sparkling clean. A few random large posters and photos from around the city of Altea were hung onto the walls, some were vintage from the early years of the city. There were signs around as well, promoting deals and promotions. 

Allura’s eyes flashed to Lance, who was standing next to Keith with his jaw slightly dropped. “Who’s this?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.

Keith nudged him, “That’s Lance,” He said and Lance closed his mouth quickly, his eyes still wide at Allura. 

“Oh, you’re the boyfriend Shiro told me about,” She said with a smile. “I’m so glad Keith brought you by, I was supposed to meet you last week but some stuff came up,” She said, clasping her hands together. 

“I am– It is so great to meet you–” Keith nudged him again, hoping Lance would shut up. “Keith is a great boyfriend but you are gorgeous,” He said and Keith rolled his eyes.

“My girlfriend thinks so too,” Allura said and Lance sighed. “Too old and too gay,” She said, Keith knew she was only twenty-four but that was way too old for a sixteen year old. Anyone with common sense would know that. 

“You made it official with Romelle?” Keith asked, his tone still flat but Allura took no offense to it. 

Allura nodded, “I did. We have our first date tomorrow,” She smiled. 

“Allura, are those customers?!” A high-pitched voice asked from the back. 

“Yes, Coran! But I am handling it!” She said, turning her head to shout into the back. “What can I get you two before my coworker starts taking your order– you don’t want that” She said , much quieter. 

They each got their milkshake and paid– Keith paid even though Lance insisted– leaving a large tip for Allura as he always did. 

“So, you have an in-person at Kaltenecker ?” Lance asked, sliding into a booth with his cup. Keith slid in on the other side. 

“Only on Tuesdays and Friday afternoons, I wasn’t entirely sure if she was going to be here tonight,” Keith said, sitting on the opposite side. “She only works part time here– her main work is the city liaison,” He said, taking a sip of his milkshake 

Lance sputtered, “She works as a milkshake employee and a city liaison?!” He asked, his eyebrows raised. Keith was about to speak when Allura began. 

“I picked up a shift tonight because movie night was canceled,” Allura said as she approached them. She pulled a chair from a nearby table and sat down with her legs crossing, leaning onto the back of the chair. “I work in customer service to better understand the needs of the people and how they talk to guarantee they will be comforted with my assurances,” She said. 

“That’s…” Lance trailed off. “Really smart,” He said, nodding. Keith took another sip, it was cold and he enjoyed the way it slid down his throat. It kept his mind off the other events of the night. 

In the ambient lighting, Keith could see the freckles decorating Lance’s face, the familiar dots along with the blue eyes brought a sense of comfort over him. He didn’t understand why but he knew he needed to keep those freckles and eyes safe. He needed to protect him. 

“How’s Shiro doing?” Allura asked, “I think Kosmo misses you,” She added. 

“I talked to him earlier, he said he’s doing okay but we both know him,” Keith said, mumbling the last part. “I miss Kosmo too,” He said. He really did, Kosmo’s was very comforting and he is a good dog. He missed cuddling on the couch with him, walking him, playing with him. He missed his baby. 

“He has his stuffed whale but he looks sad,” She said with a little frown. 

“When Shiro comes home, I’ll give Kosmo a lot of attention,” Keith said, “Speaking of Shiro.” He was twirling the straw in his cup. 

“Yes?” She asked. 

This was the quietest Keith had ever seen Lance. He had been drinking his milkshake and darting his eyes between Allura and Keith. Only then had Keith realized that Lance’s knees were pressed against his own. He didn’t want to comment on how nice the pressure felt. 

Keith fidgeted with his lip piercing a little, “I was wondering if you could help me convince Shiro to let me use the car? I feel bad asking Lance’s friend to take me each morning and I’d much rather drive myself.”

“Oh, Hunk doesn’t–” Keith used the closeness to his advantage and nudged Lance under the table. He didn’t glance his way but kept talking, switching the intention, “- have a lot of gas money and it would be nice if we could just take Shiro’s truck in the morning,” He said. 

Allura nodded again, “Of course, have you asked him already?” She questioned, tilting her head. 

“Not yet, I’m mainly asking you just in case if he says no then you could help me convince him,” He said, taking another sip. It was really good milkshakes. 

“Well, I am definitely willing to help you,” She said. Keith gave a small smile. 

“Allura!” a man with orange hair stood behind the counter, rubbing his mustache between two fingers, “Stop dilly-dallying! We have tasks to complete if we want to close early tonight!” He said and Keith recognized him as the voice from earlier. 

Allura let out a breath, “I’m coming,” She said, rolling her eyes a bit as she stood. “I hope you two have a nice night, it was great to finally meet your boyfriend, Keith,” She added, waving a little as she walked away. 

His eyes moved back to Lance, who was messing with the cherry in his hands, probably staining his fingers. He made the decision mentally. He was going to protect Lance and catch Harlow. He just needed to figure out how. 

Chapter Text

Most of the weekend went by quickly. 

On Saturday, Keith had visited Shiro for a few hours, just talking and hanging out in the hospital room– he did convince Shiro to let Keith take the car to the McClain house, Lisa had driven him there and he drove back with Shiro’s car, leaving it out front of the McClain house– he kept the keys in his pocket at all times, even when he slept. He wasn’t sure why, it just made him feel more secure. A quick way out if he needed to. 

When he got back inside, Mrs. McClain had them help make food for Caridad and her Quinceañera court; they practiced the same routine at least three times before Keith stopped counting and continued handing out lemonades. It had been an interesting thing to watch, Caridad ordering around the fellow teenagers and the tenacity of each step. It seemed to be in her genetics to dance. 

Sunday morning was nothing less than boring. The McClains had gone off to church, leaving Keith to sit awkwardly in the guest room for most of the day. They had offered for him to come but he knew he could feel out of place and it would only overstimulate him so they let him stay there. It was a quiet house when no one was home, just the faint buzzing of the air conditioner– it was odd. 

It was now late Sunday afternoon and Keith had been switching between playing a game on his phone, texting Pidge, doing his homework, and watching a movie on his laptop. He would’ve asked to see Shiro, but he had texted him that morning only to discover the doctors were going to spend the day running tests. He laid on his back with his laptop out in front of him and his notebook next to him. He was jotting down some notes that his AP Japanese teacher highly suggested they take. 

He had yet to come up with a new plan for catching Harlow. He still needed whatever information Caridad had but it was difficult to grow close enough to get the information he needed. She was extremely busy with her Quinceañera planning as it was now less than a week away. But the agreement was the same– she would be willing to talk after the event. Keith didn’t think Lance told her that it was specifically Keith who wanted to talk to her due to her first reactions when she met him. 

He heard the front door slam open followed by some things being shouted in Spanish. He wasn’t sure what they were saying and attempted to continue taking notes but the words on the screen were drowned out by the sounds downstairs. It wasn’t his family, it wasn’t his business. But on the other hand…

He pushed himself up and off the bed, quietly walking over to the door, and pressing his ear against it. It was loud and mostly in Spanish. Keith could make out a few simple words but nothing enough to form a sentence. He heard the door slam open again, this time it was someone speaking English but shouting in the same tone. 

“No, Pa’ you cannot do this!” It was Veronica shouting. “He is your son and you should support his goals!” 

He heard someone slam their hand on the table and the thick, deep voice echoed, “I will not have a son who insists on being some kind of flamboy!”

“What does that even mean?” He could hear the anger and confusion mix in Veronica’s voice.

“You know what I’m talking about Veronica! With the cameras and the social media! What happened to being a pilot?!” Mr. McClain asked, his voice boomed through the household.

“ Mi amor, por favor ,” Mrs. McClain said, just loud enough that Keith heard. 

“He’s allowed to change his goals, Pa’. If he wants to be an influencer, you should support him. He’s capable of anything he puts his mind to!” Veronica said.

“If you want to support his ridiculous decision, then you can leave too. Once he’s eighteen, he’s out and so are you,” Mr. McClain said. 

“ Luis ,” Mrs. McClain’s tone was filled with shock. 

“Gloria, I will not have one of my sons be unsuccessful in life, we have worked too hard for this,” He said, sternly. 

“You worked hard to give us a better life than you had! That’s what parents are supposed to do, Pa’. But if you want me out, then I’m out.” He heard Veronica stomp up the stairs and slam the door closed to her room. 

That was definitely not his business. He was about to head back when he heard another voice. 

“You’re kicking me out?!” 

Lance. He’d recognize that voice in a cheering crowd.

He couldn’t help but open the door a little. He carefully slid out, pressing his back against the wall and peeking around the corner. He saw Lance standing near the doorway, his eyes were rimmed with tears– just as they had been on Friday night– a different look covered his face. It made Keith's own heart hurt. A slight frown mixed with furrowed brows. 

“No, mijo , we would never–”

“You wouldn’t. He would. You have never supported me, Pa’!” Lance shouted and Keith noticed he was still in his church clothes– a white guayabera with white dress pants. He made the clothes look like the most formal outfit in the world.

“I have supported you in everything your entire life! But I draw the line here, Lance, I cannot support this! I raised you to be a man who would help the world! Not record yourself doing what? Skin stuff?”

“It’s skin care and I am helping people. A majority of my profits have been going to organizations that spread awareness! I can have multiple goals in my life,” Lance pointed. 

“You’re not understanding my point!”

“Yeah I am. You don’t want me to live here if I continue my influencing!” He saw a few tears fall from Lance’s eyes and run down his face. He definitely shouldn’t be seeing this. 

“Exactly, it is ridiculous, you’re always recording and doing so many unnecessary things! And what organizations are you even supporting?!” 

“It’s not ridiculous, it’s my job. I give my profits to organizations that spread sexual assault awareness, help low-income families, climate change–”

“And how does that help you? How does it help you become a pilot?!” He heard Veronica’s door open from behind him, she barely even spared him a glance before rushing down the stairs. She stood, leaning over the staircase. 

“It’s always going back to this Pa’! I want to help other people! I don’t just want to become a pilot! I don’t even know if I want to do that anymore!” This was not his business. 

“Why the hell not?! It has been your dream since you were a child! Has this social media really changed you this much?”

“He’s allowed to change his opinions!” Veronica shouted, her eyes glaring into him. 

Lance’s voice cracked, not even glancing back at his sister, “Being an engineer  made you a bad parent and if I ever have kids in the future, I want to be in my children's life– unlike you. I’ll be a damn good dad and it will be in spite of you.” Each word came out as if it left a sour taste in his mouth. He could practically see the lump in Lance’s throat. 

“I am not a bad parent– I have tried Lance, I have tried so hard–” Mr. McClain attempted to place a hand on Lance’s shoulder but he stepped back. 

“Try harder,” His voice narrowed, “You don’t even acknowledge my sexuality! I mention girlfriends and you are ecstatic to meet them but I bring a boyfriend home and you act like he doesn’t exist!” Lance shouted. Not his business . 

“Oh my god, Lance! I don’t care about your sexuality! It’s not important to me who you love!” Mr. McClain waved his arms in the air the same way Lance did, stepping toward his son, Lance didn’t step back this time.

“Then why didn’t you acknowledge him?! He greeted you and you body checked him?!” Lance didn’t back down, instead he stepped closer, inches away from his father. 

“I support your sexuality but I do not support your choice. He looks like a degenerate! Did you see those piercings? His clothes? His appearance?! How do you think that is influencing our family?”

Ouch. Keith glanced down at himself– he was still in black pajama pants and a random red t-shirt because he hadn’t bothered to change. His tongue swiped over his piercings. He knew he was a degenerate but he never realized he looked like one. 

“You don’t get to talk about him like that! He’s a good person and his appearance has nothing to do with that! But you wouldn’t know because you didn’t even bother to give him a chance!”

“I don’t want him around us or the kids! He’s a bad influence on everyone in the family–”

“Luis McClain.” Mrs. McClain’s voice was stern as she said his name. The three of them went dead silent as she stared at her husband, even Keith adjusted his posture, standing upright fully against the wall at her tone. “You will not speak ill of a guest in this house.”

Keith wasn’t taken back by his words, he was called a bad influence before– he’s been called much worse and honestly ‘bad influence’ wasn’t even in his top five worst insults. 

Mr. McClain cleared his throat, “You didn’t even ask me if this boy could stay, you just assumed I would be fine with it. Gloria, that is not fair to me.”

“Well, you’re never home so is your opinion on it really that important?” Lance’s voice came out like venom. 

 It happened before anyone could react. A hand going across Lance’s face, leaving a red handprint and a look of surprise on both Lance and Mrs. McClain’s faces. Veronica immediately moved forward, stepping in between her brother and her father, shoving the latter back effectively. 

“Get out, now,” Mr. McClain’s voice was stern and his eyes were fixed on Lance over Veronica's shoulder. Lance stared at his father with wide eyes, tears running down his cheeks.  Keith didn’t realize he had run downstairs, grabbing his shoes in one hand and Lance’s hand in the other. He heard Veronica shouting at her father but his brain didn’t process any of it. 

Lance didn’t even glance back at Keith, letting Keith tug him out the open door “We’re getting out of here,” Keith mumbled. The rest of the McClain’s were standing outside, the smaller children playing with the toys, the older ones helping to keep them distracted from the shouting inside. His siblings and Caridad all looked over at Lance, but they didn’t stop.

“Lance– What’s going on?” Lisa asked, but Keith didn’t stop– he had to get Lance out of there now. He didn’t notice the pavement burning against his feet through his socks. Nothing else mattered in this moment.

“Keith! Lance!” Caridad shouted, immediately following behind them. Keith opened the door for Lance and motioned for him to step inside and he did, not saying a single word. He closed the door and sped walked around to the drivers side. They had to go. 

“Cari, come back!” She didn’t listen to her mother, jumping in the backseat of Shiro’s truck and Keith didn’t argue as he hopped in the driver's seat. He started the car and drove as far as he could. He didn’t know where he was taking Lance but it had to be away from that house. 

Keith didn’t know how long he drove for in the silence. It could’ve been just a few minutes or an hour– he wasn’t sure and he didn’t dare move his eyes from the road. He occasionally heard a few sniffs from the passenger seat. Both Lance and Caridad’s phones were ringing and buzzing every few minutes but neither answered anything. 

He eventually parked behind some store, under the shade of some trees. There was a slight breeze going by so Keith rolled down the windows and turned the car off. The faint sound of the trees rustling could be heard through the windows and a few sounds of people talking in the parking lot. The sun was setting in front of them, illuminating the car with a soft orange color. 

“Lance, what happened? You all went inside and started yelling and mom told us to stay outside–  What happened?” Caridad asked as Keith adjusted in his seat, his eyes didn’t move to Lance and stayed locked on the steering wheel.

“Bad argument. The usual shit plus more,” Lance said as if that would explain everything. Caridad reached her hands onto the seat and rubbed at Lance’s shoulders. 

“What’s the plus more?” she asked, adjusting her black plaid skirt with one hand. It was knee length and complimented the long sleeve white turtle neck she wore. Keith felt a little out of place in his pajamas but he ignored it. 

Keith could feel Lance’s eyes flicker to him, “He started saying shit about him,” He said. “He acted as if he got a say in what happens in the house even though he’s never there–” Lance cut himself off, taking a deep but shaky breath. 

Keith glanced out the window, “It doesn’t matter what he says about me– He hit you,” He said. 

“What?” Caridad asked, her eyes wide. Lance didn’t say anything but Keith nodded in confirmation. “Lito doesn’t– He’s never hit any of his children–”

“He did today,” Keith muttered, he was about to bite at his piercing but Pidge and Acxa’s voice rumbled through his head . If he wasn’t so focused on getting Lance out of there, he would have hit Mr. McClain back. Actually, he probably would’ve done a lot more than that. 

“It’s fine– I just… Thank you,” Lance said, turning to Keith. 

“For what?” Keith asked, raising an eyebrow. He finally turned his eyes to Lance. His face was tear stained and his left cheek was still bruised. He could still see the freckles. 

“Dragging me out of there–”

“You’ve done much more for me,” Keith said. His eyes flickered to Caridad for just a second, “And it’s what any decent boyfriend would do,” He added quickly. 

Lance let out a soft, airy chuckle, “Yeah I guess,” He said. He turned in the seat, looking at Caridad. “Your mom is going to kill both of us, why’d you come along?” Lance questioned. 

She shuffled in her seat, “You looked like you needed someone and you’re my tío, it’s my job to protect you too,” She said, fiddling with her hands– she was a mini version of Lance. From her appearance to her unconscious habits. 

“You’re a really good kid, Caridad,” Keith said. She gave a small smile. 

“Thank you. You’re a good person too,” She said. “Y’know, Lance kept talking about you during church, all the old ladies were enthralled–”

“Cari, shush ,” Lance said, attempting to reach back and place a hand over her mouth. She simply slid to the other end. 

“He was all,” She cleared her throat, and tossed some of her hair behind her shoulder, the pink streaks flowing along with it, “‘He’s so strong and chivalrous’ with like massive heart eyes,” She said, making hearshapes with her hands in front of each eye. Keith laughed a little, ignoring the way his face warmed up. 

“You’re the worst.” 

“Keith thinks I’m the best and he’s pretty smart so…” She trailed off with the McClain grin. Lance turned to Keith with a fake offended look but he simply shrugged. 

“You’re both the worst,” Lance said but he couldn’t hold back the smile. 

A phone rang– it was Lance’s. They recognized it by the Rihanna ringtone. He pulled it out of his pocket. It was Mrs. McClain, there was a profile photo of her and Lance at some family event. She was busy cooking in the background but still looked up at the camera with a smile on her face. 

Lance held his phone out and looked between Keith and Caridad. His eyes were looking for one of them to tell him what to do. 

“Should I?” He asked, the smile fading off his face. Keith knew this wasn’t his decision to make, so he turned to Caridad. 

Caridad nodded, “Yeah,” She said. 

Lance hesitated for a second before pressing the bright green button on his phone. 

“ Mijo?! Están todos bien? ¿Dónde están ustedes? ” The words came out quickly. 

“Ma’ we’re fine. I needed to get out– Keith and Cari are okay too,” He said, keeping his voice as calm as he could. 

“Thank god. Your father ran off somewhere–I don’t even know– I was so worried about you,” She said, they could hear the worry in her voice, each syllable cracking as she spoke. 

“Is that them?!” Another voice said. “Cari, are you okay?!” Lisa asked into the phone. 

“Mom, I’m fine,” Caridad chirped up. 

“ Mija , come home please,” She said. 

“Not until Lance can,” She said sternly. 

“Oh mi niña ,” Mrs. McClain interjected, “Lance can always come home, he;s not being kicked out. Ever. Your father is thirty-two and still lives at home. We’re McClains, we don’t kick people out, your Lito is just being a man,” She said. “I will kick him out before my son.”

The three looked at each other. Keith was going to support whatever they decided. If they wanted to go home, he’d drive them back. If they wanted to hang up and never go back, Keith would take them to the ends of the Earth if they asked. It was their decision. 

“We’ll have ice cream if you come home,” Lisa said. 

“I’m not eight mom, ice cream–”

“Does that apply to me too?” Lance asked. 

“Yes, Lance, it applies to you too. I’ll even get out my secret stash of gummy sharks,” Lisa said. 

—

Lance, Keith, and Caridad sat at the table, eating their ice cream with gummy sharks. Mr. McClain had inevitably answered one of Mrs. McClain’s phone calls– said something about staying at a hotel for a while. Mrs. McClain was sitting across from Lane now, staring at him with warm and kind eyes. 

Keith took a bite of it. He hadn’t asked for any but Lisa gave him some anyway. Caridad was on her phone next to Keith and one his other side was Lance, who happily ate the gummy sharks. Apparently it was his favorite candy.

“Do you like gummy sharks, Keith?” Caridad asked, noticing they hadn’t been touched. 

He shook his head, “Uhm, not really– I’m not a big gummy person,” He said. He took one out of his bowl and handed it to Lance, who happily accepted mid-bite. So Keith gave him the rest of the ones in his bowl. If he wasn’t going to eat them, Lance might as well. 

Mrs. McClain was still staring at them and Keith wasn’t sure if they should be saying something or doing something. She just stared at them with her hands in her lap, even as they finished, placing their dishes in the sink. 

“Lance, Keith, I’d like to talk to you,” She said, right as they were about to head up the stairs. Caridad stopped on the stairs, “ Alone , Carro ,” She added. 

Caridad huffed, walking up the stairs regardless. Mrs. McClain led them to the living room. Nadia and Slyvio had gone to bed and Keith hadn’t seen Veronica since they arrived back. He assumed the rest of Lance’s siblings were upstairs. 

She motioned for the boys to sit on the couch and they didi, thigh to thigh. Lance wrapped an arm around Keith, resting his hand on his waist– he wasn’t sure why but he wasn’t going to move away. It felt nice. 

And they were meant to be dating. That too. Right. 

Mrs. McClain stood in front of them, clasping her hands together. She had tear streaks in the soft red blush on her face. She was still in her church clothes, the blue floral blouse she wore was still perfectly resting around her body. She opened and closed her mouth a few times, trying to find the words. 

Lance mumbled a quick reassurance in Spanish, something incoherent that only she understood. 

She let out an airy laugh– the same way that Lance does–, before taking a deep breath. “I am so sorry for what your father said,” She said, looking her son in the eyes, “His words and actions are in no way defensible. You’re our son and regardless of what he said, I will always support you in whatever you want to do and whoever you want to love,” She reached a hand out and Lance held it with his free hand. “You will never, ever, be unloved in this home.”

“Thank you, Ma’,” Lance said, squeezing her hand with a small smile. 

Her eyes turned to Keith, “ Soldado , ignore my husband's words, he does not get to say who gets to stay here and who doesn’t. You are good and you will always be welcomed here ”

“Thank you, Mrs. McClain,” He said, avoiding eye contact. He wasn’t great at being complimented by older women. It made his chest hurt. 

“You’re not degenerate. Especially after today, you helped my son feel okay after all that. You are very good person and a very good partner to my son– I don’t know how Lance did it,” She said and the words echoed in his head. He didn’t think he was a good person. He didn’t think would would believe that either if she ever knew all the crap he’s done.

“I’d take a bullet for your son,” He stated, looking at her eyes for a moment before turning back away. Their carpets were insanely clean, maybe he was just used to Kosmo’s fur everywhere but even with the little kids running around there wasn’t a speck of dirt. 

“Aw, that’s sweet,” Lance said, pulling Keith closer and resting his head on top of the latter’s. 

“Lance, how in the world did you manage this?” Mrs. McClain asked with a little smirk– So that’s where the McClain’s got it from. 

“I am a catch, Ma’,” Lance said proudly. 

“Whatever you say, Mijo ,” She said, shaking her head a little and dropping her son's hand. 

“Hey! I am! He knows I am, right?” Lance defended, turning to Keith. 

How was he supposed to say no to those shades of blue?

“I suppose,” Keith smiled, biting at his lip a little. A grin grew on Lance’s face, a kind of pride filling him. 

Mrs. McClain shook her head, the faint smile still there, “If he says so,” She said, beginning to walk away, “Don’t forget to get some sleep, you both have school tomorrow!” She added as she headed to the kitchen. 

“Ma’ don’t remind me!” And Lance’s hand was still around his wai

Chapter Text

The Altea Plaza looked a lot nicer during the day. Less creepy and much brighter. It was Tuesday afternoon, Caridad’s quinceañera was in four days and they all realized Keith had no formal wear– in his home or in the McClains. So, Mrs. McClain insisted on getting him some clothes since they were already going to the Mall because Lance spilt something on the shirt he was supposed to wear. 

“Ma’ I don't think they have the same one,” Lance said, shuffling through the shirts. Keith awkwardly stood next to him. He has never been inside a JCPenney’s before but it looked nice. A little too nice with polished white floors and glass containers to hold expensive jewelry– but it was okay. He didn’t need to come here again after. 

“This is why I told you to hang it up, because you’d lose it or mess it up,” Mrs. McClain said from a different rack. 

“Since when does Flaco listen?” Racheal asked, skimming the camera over the rack of clothes. She had insisted on making a vlog and Lance agreed. Keith did not care but he did help hold Racheal’s purse on his shoulder. And Mrs. McClain’s bag on his other. 

“I listen! I just didn’t realize it wasn’t a towel,” He defended.

“You used your light blue guayabera to clean a spilled foundation, you have no excuses,” Racheal said. She said was going to edit out the talking and add music. 

“It’s a pretty good excuse, Rach’,” 

“No, it’s not,” Mrs. McClain said, turning her head back and sending a glare to her son. She let out a loud huff, “Racheal and I will keep looking, go pick something out for Keith– stick with the theme!” She said, waving the boys off. Racheal groaned and turned the camera off, shoving it into her purse. 

“Thank you, by the way,” She said, taking her and her mother’s bags from Keith. 

All he could do was nod before being hauled away by Lance into a different section. There weren’t very many people in the store, just a few mom’s and grandparents scattered throughout the store. The warm white lighting gave him a slight headache but nothing he couldn’t manage. 

Lance started looking through clothes, “So, the theme is kaleidoscope, so you can pretty much wear any color. Cari was really smart for this actually, ‘cause anyone can wear whatever color they want and still be following the theme,” He said. 

“That is smart, any significance?”

“She had a really strong obsession with them as a little kid and hoarded them,” He said, pulling out a shirt and holding it against Keith’s body. “I’m pretty sure she still has, at minimum, ten in her room.”

“Uh, I can pick out my own clothes,” Keith pointed out as Lance held another shirt against his body. 

Lance poked his chest and Keith quickly shoved it off, “Uh, no, no, no. I’ve seen how you dress. You are going to pick out the cheapest thing and just wear it– That cannot happen, you’re a little too emo to style clothes for a quince,” he said, holding up some kind of vest against Keith as he spoke. 

“I’m not emo,” Keith grumbled, crossing his arms and glaring at Lance. 

“You’re not helping your case with that guyliner and cute pout, y’know?” Lance said, holding up one of the polos before quickly putting it back as if it was on fire. 

“I’m not cute? I’m literally a seventeen year old,” Keith said. 

“Seventeen year olds can be cute. I’m sixteen and I’m fucking adorable,” Lance said, tilting his head a bit with raised brows. “Go get pants, a black pair, you can never look bad in black.” He waved his hand. 

“Whatever,” Keith muttered, pretending to look in the rack behind them at pants. He wasn’t really looking, he was trying to not punch Lance and fight off the redness on his face. He didn’t understand why his face was so warm but he did not like it. It was already warm in the building and this did not help. 

Eventually, Lance had a stack of clothes on his arm and yanked Keith over to the changing rooms. Lance stood outside the door and handed Keith each outfit he picked out. Keith thought they were all fine, a few had weird textures but it wasn’t anything he couldn’t handle. But of course, Lance had opinions. 

“That one is too bright for you.”, “Too dark.”, “It makes you look like a box– you’re not shaped like a box.”, “That shirt is just… eugh. Who am I? Why did I grab that?” Lance asked himself. Most of the comments were toward himself but Keith definitely heard them. 

Keith was fed up and this was the last outfit and he did not want to do this again. Ever again. He was a little overstimulated from the music and the lights and he wanted nothing more than to curl up in a blanket and play Plants Vs. Zombies. He glanced at the pile in the changing room that Lance designated the “No Pile” which had been literally everything else Lance picked out. 

He stepped out, waving his hands out to his sides and sighing. He didn’t hear anything from Lance, so he looked over to where he stood. 

His bottom lip was pulled between his teeth, his eyes were wide- Keith could swear he could count the shades of blue in them– and directed at Keith. He was still leaning against the wall with one foot propped up, as he had been the entire time, but now his shoulders were a little forward and his arms had fallen to his sides. 

“Oh my god, Lance! I am not getting another outfit, if you don’t like it, I don’t care–”

“This is definitely the one,” Lance interrupted, pushing himself off the wall with his foot. He quickly shoved Keith back into the changing room, following behind this time and turning Keith around to face the mirror. Okay, so the lean muscle he saw on Lance the other night was not just for show. 

Keith glanced over himself in the mirror. Damn. Lance was good at picking out outfits. He was never going to admit that though. He had on a black long-sleeve button up with a red tuxedo vest over it that showed off his shoulders and waist. The pants were plain, black dress pants but somehow they fit perfectly– not too loose but not too tight– around his legs and the texture of them didn’t bother him. The texture was usually a problem, it’s why he doesn’t own any. 

Damn. He could not let Lance know, it would go straight to his already inflated ego, but he couldn’t stop the small tilt of the corner of his lip. 

“You like it too? Texture’s fine?” He asked, looking at Keith’s face in the mirror. His head was tilted a little, genuine concern in his eyes. Keith’s eyes locked with Lance’s in the mirror. 

It was a weirdly intimate act. Not weirdly, it just was. Only then did Keith realize how close Lance was behind him, he could feel the heat radiating off his body, he was so warm, how was he so warm all the time? Keith felt his chest fill with air as he turned around to face Lance. 

Freckles and blue eyes, centimeters away from his face. 

“Yeah, the texture's good,” He said. His voice was airy but tight, the words slipping out of his mouth despite him feeling like his voice was gone. He remembered explaining to Lance the textures he didn’t like while picking out the clothes but he didn’t think Lance would adhere to it. 

His eyes flicked up to Lance, whose hands were resting on his waist– when did that happen?-- and his eyes hadn’t left Keith. His mouth was slightly open. It was as if everything stopped and for a moment, he was just standing with Lance and nothing else mattered. One of Lance’s hands reached up, cupping Keith’s face, his thumb grazing over the birthmark for just a second. 

It happened so quickly, Keith hardly realized it was happening. 

He had slid his arms up and over Lance’s shoulders, pulling him down a little and locking their lips. For a second, Keith thought he majorly fucked up but no. Instead, Lance was kissing back, kicking the door shut and  pushing Keith back against the wall, still holding his face with one hand and his waist with the other. Keith threaded his fingers through the short hair in the back.

 Shit. Lance was kissing him. He was kissing Lance. Shit. 

Their lips continued to move together and nothing else mattered right then and there. Lance was soft. Keith was very aware of his night time routine after spending almost a week together, he was adamantly aware of each step but he never touched his skin like this. It was like feeling Lance for the first time. Even his hair felt like silk that the Greek deities created themselves. 

They were practically woven into each other. 

Keith was getting impossibly more warm and backed away– not too far, god how could he ever be far again?- Lance moved his hands to the vest, hesitating at the first button until Keith nodded, a little aggressively. He smashed their lips back together and Lance let out a little chuckle as they kissed, sliding the vest off over Keith’s shoulders.

One of Lance’s hands moved back to his face, his fingertips brushing over his hair. He knew it was going to be messed up but he had more pressing, important matters to handle at the moment. Like the boy pressing him against the wall, kissing him so hard he could swear he saw stars behind his eyelids. 

“Lance! Keith! We’re checking out, hurry up!” Racheal shouted into the dressing room, her voice, no doubt, echoing throughout the entire store. 

For a moment, Lance didn’t stop kissing him– it was just a few seconds, nothing tangible but it happened. They both backed away, not saying anything and just catching their breath. They dropped their hands from each other but kept staring. Lance’s brain seemed to catch up with his actions; he raised his brow and opened and closed his mouth a few times. 

“We should– you should–”

“Yeah.”

— 

Keith was frazzled the rest of the day, he had random flashes of memory from the rest of their trip at the mall but he could not stop thinking about the events that happened in the fitting room. 

They didn’t talk about it, though. 

They kissed and they didn’t talk about it.

It had been two days since then and they hadn’t talked about the fact that they made out in a JCPenney’s fitting room. 

They weren’t avoiding each other either, they went about everything like normal– well as normal as staying at his fake boyfriend’s house because his adoptive brother/guardian  was shot by the guy he’s been trying to take down. Oh and the entire; his fake boyfriend is the uncle of the girl who could have information to take down said guy but he can’t ask because it’s weird  and invasive to start a conversation like that– Okay. 

Maybe it wasn’t normal for everyone, but it was normal to Keith. The only unnatural thing was Lance did not hang out with him in the guest room. Keith didn’t know where he went but he knew it wasn’t in that room. 

It wasn’t normal for him now. Because now when Lance slides a hand around his waist while they’re watching TV with his family, he thinks about his stupid soft lips and then he’s not paying attention to the conversation that was happening. He couldn’t fall asleep easily, he couldn’t eat normally, he couldn’t focus in his classes, he couldn’t do his homework–It was affecting his life and he had no idea if it was affecting Lance as well. Because they didn’t talk about it. 

It was Thursday and the moment Acxa walked in the door that afternoon and kicked off her shoes, Keith grabbed her hand and went to haul her to the guest room. He got half-way up the stairs before Acxa realized what was happening, pulling them to a halt. 

“Dude, what?” Acxa questioned. Her eyes flashing to Veronica who had her hands on her hips with an eyebrow raised at the bottom of the staircase. She definitely knew something was up but Keith could not explain it to her or to any of the other McClains. 

“I need to talk,” Keith said, biting at his lip piercing. It was the simplest way he could put it. He could feel Lance's eyes on him- he had been tasked with making sure Slyvio didn’t throw his snacks at Nadia, again. He was failing. A Goldfish flew from Slyvio’s hand when Lance stopped looking and it hit Nadia directly in the forehead. She started crying, throwing snacks back at her brother, missing many times. 

“Lance! They’re throwing shit at each other,” Caridad said from her place on the couch, immediately beginning to clean up as Lance went back to calming them down. Caridad threw a few of the Goldfish that she had picked up at her uncle in spite, a little pout and glare at him. 

“Keith, I came to see Veronica–” Acxa mumbled, looking back at her girlfriend. 

“Acxa, please,” He said. He looked her in the eyes and for a moment, in her mind, he was the same kid in the police station four years ago, pleading for her to pick his cuffs too. She let out a breath and turned her eyes to the floor for a second. They might not have been in that police station but Keith still needed her. Her brother needed her. 

She gave Veronica a sympathetic look, “I’m sorry, my love. I’ll be quick, I promise,” She said, letting Keith pull her up the stairs. Veronica let out a loud groan–borderline a scream of frustration- that was cut off when Keith closed the door to the guest room behind Acxa. 

Acxa leaned against the mattress, tilting her head at Keith, who was pacing in circles, practically burning a hole in the McClain’s carpet. “You better have a damn good reason for taking Girlfriend-time away from me, Kid,” She said, crossing her arms. “I don’t get days off often.”

“I do have a very good reason,” Keith said, stopping suddenly in front of her. “Lance and I made out in a JCPenney’s fitting room,” He quickly spoke, his eyes squinting. He outwardly cringed, it sounded so much worse out loud. 

Acxa’s eyes did the opposite, widening, “Excuse me?” She questioned, her jaw slightly dropping. 

“We made out, like full blown I took off an article of clothing kind of making out but we haven’t talked about it! You’re supposed to talk about this kind of thing right?” He asked, beginning his pacing again. 

“You stripped in a JCPenney’s fitting room?” Acxa placed a hand over her mouth to conceal a shit-eating grin. 

“It wasn’t stripping– it was just a vest over a shirt I was wearing– not the point. Acxa, I made out with my fake boyfriend and…” He trailed off, furrowing his brows. 

“And what?” She questioned, a little more sincereness in her tone. 

“And I didn’t hate it? It wasn’t awful–” He said quietly, sitting down on the floor with his legs crossed. 

“Are you trying to say you liked it?” She moved her hand, no longer hiding the grin. 

“No!” Keith swiftly defended, waving his hands. “It’s Lance and he’s a fake boyfriend so–”

“That doesn’t mean you have to hate kissing him–”

“Regardless of if I hate kissing Lance or not, we should be talking about it right?” He asked. 

“Probably.” Acxa shrugged, looking around the guest room. She hadn’t been inside here since the first night a little over a week ago and it hadn’t changed. Keith kept his stuff in the bags at all times, always ready for the moment Shiro leaves the hospital. “What am I supposed to do about this exactly?” She asked. 

“I need advice, that’s why I dragged you up here.”

“I’ve never made out with a fake girlfriend in a JCPenney’s fitting room, so I don’t have much experience with this,” She made a circle motion with her hand and let out a small laugh. Keith glared up at her from the floor before glancing off to the side. 

“I’m not good at this– any of this. I don’t know how to talk to him about it. I don’t even know if we should be talking about it at all– All the words I want to say to him are scrambled in my brain, and he’s acting as if everything is completely normal,” He said, roughly running a hand through his hair before practically slamming it back in his lap. 

She let out a breath and slid down to the floor, sitting across from Keith. “Look, Kid. I’ve known you for a while–”

“Understatement.”

“And you’ve never been good with words. But that’s okay, you don’t have to be.” She placed a hand on his shoulder, “All you have to do is initiate the conversation and the words will flow out like water, and if not, Lance will try his best to understand you,” She said, her voice was calm and it relaxed Keith. “He’s a McClain, he’ll try his best.”

“So, it is something we should talk about?”

“You made out with your fake boyfriend in a JCPenney’s fitting room and liked it; Yes you should definitely talk about it,” Acxa said, a comforting, but somehow also teasing smile on her face. 

“I never said I liked it,” Keith corrected. 

“You said you didn’t hate it,” Acxa said, pointedly. 

“That’s not antonymous.”

“You’re learning way too much shit in those AP classes,” She said, hitting his thigh as she stood. “Have you showered?” She asked, tilting her head as she looked at the top of his. 

“What?” He questioned, reaching up and realizing his hair was gross. “Oh crap– That’s what I’ve been forgetting,” He groaned, placing his face in his hands. He wasn’t a child, he knew he had to shower, he’s just been preoccupied with other things and his brain wasn’t exactly focused on taking care of himself. To be fair, it never really was. 

“This is why you needed to be with people while Shiro’s in the hospital,” She said, yanking him up from the floor by the back of his shirt. 

“Flaco!” She shouted, opening the door. 

“Do you speak Spanish?” Keith asked, standing upright, most unbothered by Acxa lifting him off the floor. He was pretty sure he heard her a handful of times but he was never entirely sure. 

“You’ve known me for four years and I’ve never told you I’m Venezuelan?” 

“No?” Keith said. He wasn’t mad or anything. He’s just known her for so long, he thought it would’ve been something that came up. Neither of them really talked about their parents if they could prevent it. It was a sensitive topic. 

“Oh,” She muttered, furrowing her brows a little. “My bad,” She said. She could’ve sworn she mentioned it to someone. 

Lance was now standing in the doorway, slightly out of breath– Did he run up here?-, he tried to play it off, leaning against the doorway with an attempt of suave. “You-” Big breath of air, “-called?” 

“Uh, yeah,” Acxa said, glancing at Keith who was awkwardly standing there, fiddling with his hands. “Show Keith where he can shower, I’m going to spend time with my girlfriend,” She said, walking out, making a peace sign motion with her fingers. 

Lance just stood there for a moment before clearing his throat, “Uh, grab some clothes and follow me,” He said, just under his breath. Mrs. McClain let him wash his clothes there, which he was extremely grateful for. He pulled some clothes out and quietly followed Lance out into the hallway. Lance was rummaging through a hallway closet before tossing a towel to Keith. 

He had been inside the bathroom a few times, it was extremely clean with shiny polished tile flooring, which was odd because even his bathroom was a little dirty. Their bathroom was spotless and gleaming. There were a few kids toys in a brown woven basket next to the tub and multiple toothbrushes in cups on the sink, they were all color coded with covers. A few kids' toothbrushes with different characters on them stuck to the mirror and the soap dispenser was shaped like the moon. 

Lance slid the curtain– which was Dora The Explorer themed– and leaned over, showing Keith how to work the shower and the different soaps. There were a lot of soaps– like a lot. Lance offered him his skincare routine but Keith just side eyed him, he felt like he was going to explode. 

The bathroom wasn’t tiny but Lance was constantly standing a little less than a foot away from Keith and it was driving him insane. He didn’t know if he wanted to hit, yell, or maybe even kiss Lance again. He was starting to lean toward the first option. 

“So, our house is weird so it’s really only hot or cold, there’s not really an inbetween,” Lance said, flipping the handle a few times. “Left is hot, right is cold and the top is supposed to be warm but as I said—”

“Why’d we do it?” God why did he not think before opening his mouth. Why did he say things without thinking? He would throw himself out the window if there was one. 

“Uh, what?” Lance asked, turning on his heels to face Keith. 

He felt his face warm a little, “Y’know, on tuesday?” He asked, leaning against the wall and looking down. 

Lance kicked one of his legs against the other, “We went shopping because we needed clothes, this is kinda common sense Mullet–”

“You know what I mean,” Keith mumbled, biting at his lip piercing. There was a tension in the room that both could feel. The door was closed and the air felt thick and warm despite the air conditioning flowing out of the vent. 

“I’ve never kissed anyone with lip piercings,” Lance muttered. Keith couldn’t tell the tone but he now was extremely aware of the titanium against his lips. 

“Why did we kiss?”

“Why are you asking me?”

“I don’t know!”

“I don’t know either!” 

They stared at each other again. Freckles and shades of blue would be the death of him. 

“I just…” Lance trailed off. His eyes flashed to Keith’s lips, “Don’t bite your piercing,” He said and Keith did. 

“Why did it happen?” He asked, his voice was barely above a whisper and he refused eye contact again. He wasn’t sure what scared him more: the words coming out of his mouth or the ones that could come out of Lance’s. 

“I don’t know,” His tone wasn’t as frustrated as before, he stepped closer to Keith, backing him against the wall. “Close proximity and heightened adrenaline– something like that, I guess,” He said, waving his hands a little and speaking in his breath. 

“Yeah, that’s it,” Keith said, not really believing whatever Lance was saying, “Close proximity,” He repeated, trying to make sense of it in his head. Somehow, Lance had gotten even closer to Keith, inches away from his face– again. Just like on Tuesday. Lance raised his hand, slightly hesitant before cupping Keith’s face again. 

“Close proximity,” Lance said again, his head tilting a little, eyes glued on Keith’s. Keith brought a gloved hand up to grip his wrist and wrapped the other around Lance’s broad shoulders. He counted the freckles again, trying to calm his racing heartbeat. 

“Heightened adrenaline,” Keith repeated, licking his lips. 

And then it happened again. 

They made out in the bathroom, Lance shoving Keith against the wall and almost knocking a random photo of flowers off of the wall. And, of course, they didn’t talk about it after. Keith wasn’t sure how long they kissed for, entangled limbs, but he vividly remembered Lance abruptly leaving. Keith was left panting against the wall, his hands still up from where Lance’s body had been. 

Chapter Text

Right. They kissed again and didn’t talk about it. 

What were they supposed to say? 

How do they even talk about something like this?

They made out twice in three days and they weren’t dating and Keith didn’t know why it happened. But he did realize that “close proximity” and “high adrenaline” were stupid, bullshit reasons and that it probably wasn’t true. 

Right? 

Keith had been physically close with people with high adrenaline and usually it ended with him punching them– not kissing them. Keith did also want to punch Lance, multiple times, especially when he said stupid things. Other times, he did want to kiss Lance when he was sweet, also multiple times. But how does he say that? How does he turn those feelings into words?

God, he needed to learn how to use words. Or not. Maybe. Ugh. 

“Keith, the fork is upside down,” Acxa pointed out.

He had more important things to be thinking about right now. It was Saturday, the day of Caridad’s quinceañera. The McClains had spent the morning getting ready and Keith was desperately trying to ignore the looks Lance kept giving him. In both their defenses, the last time Keith wore this, they made out. In a JCPenney’s. 

He had to stop thinking about that. 

 When they left for mass around three, Keith had joined Acxa and Hunk to help the caterers and the management team finish the decorations and verify that everything was the way it was supposed to. Acxa and Keith had been assigned to finish placing the utensils and plates on the tables. 

“No it’s not–” He glanced down from where he had been zoning out. Okay, maybe the salad fork was upside down. He shook his head a little, fixing it. 

The table clothes were multi-colored and apparently custom made to look like a kaleidoscope– to follow the theme. There were different colored bright lights illuminating the venue. It was surprisingly cold inside and Keith was grateful that Mrs. McClain insisted he wear a suit jacket.There was a large dance floor, directly in the center of the room with a small pathway that led to back entrance, a arch of silver balloons just above it that spelled out “CARIDAD” with three exclamation points on both sides of her name. 

Acxa stood in front of him, as she adjusted a black napkin on the plate her front piece of hair fell into her face. She was already adorned in her outfit– a purple and black suit that matched Veronica’s purple and black sheath dress. He only knew they were matching because of the photos she took this morning and insisted on showing him. 

“Didn’t Lance tell you no fingerless gloves?” Hunk asked as he passed by, pushing a cart of food. Lance had said that during class yesterday. 

His eyes flickered to his definitely gloved hands, “No,” Keith lied.

“ Keith ,” Acxa said, her tone narrowing as she moved to the next table, adjusting more napkins. “ Did Lance say no?” She asked, placing a hand on her hip. Hunk chuckled nervously expecting a glare from Keith. 

“What? Caridad said she didn’t mind,” Keith said, not glaring at Hunk. He had asked her the prior night about it when Lance had joked about it during dinner.