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Chapter Text

>>LANCE<<

He hates me.. I know it.

I huffed, leaning my head against my hand as I glanced at the boy who sat next to me. His name is Keith Kogane, he's gay, he's emo, and he hates my guts. That's all I know about him. I want to know more, but that'll never happen.

I looked up at our Algebra teacher as she explained something boring. Something about how she had printed off our grades for us since it's the middle of the quarter, and she wants us to stay on track. Whatever. I check my grades every Friday. I know my standings.

She walked around and handed everyone a copy of their grades. I looked over at Keith again. He was wearing his usual faded red hoodie paired with a gray t-shirt, black skinny jeans, and red Vans. Can't forget his eyeliner, too, along with the gay pride pins on his black backpack.

He looked at me, "Can I help you?"

I shook my head, "Sorry, I was staring off." I looked down at my lap.

My outfit was the opposite of his. Jean shorts, a white tank top, a baby blue hoodie, and white Converse All-Stars. My backpack was as gay as his, though, blue and silver sequins with a cute as fuck bisexuwhale button.

I was snapped back to reality when Miss Harrison handed me and Keith our grades. I had all A's except a D in English. Last time I checked, it was a C. I didn't realize our midterms had been put in already.

Damn, that test really pulled me down..

I glanced over at Keith's grades, which were a lot like mine. All A's except for a C in Algebra.

"I can help you with math if you want?" I said, leaning over a bit.

He looked confused. "Why do you want to help me?"

I shrugged, "Because you don't have many friends, and I thought maybe this could open the door to us being friends."

He smiled just a tiny bit before glancing at my grades, "How did you manage a D in English?"

"It's not my first language. I'm Cuban, I speak Spanish at home," I sighed, "English is hard... I failed my last test. It was a lot of grammar."

He looked like he felt a bit sorry for me, "Let's make a deal. You tutor me in Algebra and I'll tutor you in English."

I was surprised. But I didn't make a big deal out of it.

Maybe he doesn't hate me...

I smiled and nodded, "Deal!"

We shook on it, "Want to come over to my house after school? Since I have minimal friends, my Friday nights are always free."

I nodded, "Yeah! I don't think I have any plans, I always forget what day I'm doing what." I laughed softly.

He laughed too and wrote down his phone number before giving it to me, "If you end up double booking your evening, then just text me. I'll understand. You're popular, you have friends."

"Yeah, not to mention cheer practice." I wrote down my phone number for him and gave it to him.

"Aren't you the cheer captain? And the only guy?" He asked as he put my number in his pocket.

I nodded, "Yeah. There was a controversy over it last year. Everyone thought it was sexist that the only boy got to be captain. But they're just stupid. I didn't nominate myself for it; Shay did. I nominated Allura. There was a vote after that, and the squad voted me in. It was a landslide vote, too. I'm captain because I'm good and the girls think I should have the position, not because I have a dick." I put his number in my backpack.

He snorted a bit, "People are dumb."

I nodded in agreement, "Yeah, very."

"You're not what I thought you'd be." He looked me in the eye.

I shrugged, "Well, I guess I do have the life of a cliché bitch. Cheer captain and dating the quarterback is just total bitch material."

He laughed a bit, "I misjudged you, McClain.. I just thought you'd be more like your asshole boyfriend."

I looked down, "He's not that much of an asshole..." I mumbled, "He's just... just.."

"An asshole." Keith finished my sentence, "Why is someone as smart and kind as you dating a dick like Lotor?"

I shrugged, "He can be really romantic sometimes.. He asked me out by having the choir serenade me as he gave me a big, what's the word... Bouquet! He got me a big bouquet of lilies and bluebells... And he did something big to ask me homecoming too."

Keith nodded, "You're a sucker for cliché romantic stuff, and he uses that to his advantage.. I get it...."

I looked over at him, "Why do you think he's such a jerk?"

"I dunno.. Maybe because he shoves me around all the time and once threatened me," He rolled his eyes.

My eyes widened, "He did that??" I tried not to shout.

He nodded, "Yeah.. Your boyfriend is a dick, Lance. I just hope he's not a dick to you, too... I'm really hoping you just haven't seen his bad side yet and you're not defending it."

I looked down, not knowing what to say next. But the bell saved me, "I-I'll see you after school. I'll text you so we can meet up..." I grabbed my bag and ran off for lunch.

"Uh, okay. Bye!" He called after me as he got his bag all packed.

That was close...

I quickly ran to the lunchroom and saw Lotor and Acxa, "Hey, guys!" I walked over with a giggle.

Lotor wrapped his arm around my waist before pulling me in for a kiss, "There's my baby~ Acxa brought us lunch today."

I smiled at her, "Wow, that was really nice of you!"

She shrugged, "I get free food from work. Might as well take advantage of it. I know you can't afford to buy your own," I was on the reduced lunch program for 'financially struggling' students.

Acxa worked at the pizzeria down the street from the school, so we got to eat there for a discount a lot. Not that we need it, they're both filthy rich. They just like free stuff. Acxa's also Lotor's twin sister. They used to be inseparable as kids. Now, as teenagers, they have separate lives but are still very close. She's a jock like us, but her sport is volleyball.

We all walked to our usual table by the window, and Acxa got out the food. Lotor kept his arm around my waist, rubbing up under my shirt a bit. Nothing new. Acxa gave us our food. Lotor got a meat lover's calzone, I got an antipasto salad, and she got chicken alfredo.

"I remember that you're still trying to lose five pounds, so I got you that salad you like." She smiled at me.

I nodded, "Thanks. God knows I need it after that trip to visit mi abuela. I probably ate my weight in cookies," I laughed a bit and started eating.

As we ate, I saw Lotor was checking out one of the art club girls. I pat his shoulder, "Lotor.." I pouted a bit.

He chuckled, "Nothing says I can't look."

"I do," I frowned, looking up at him.

He rolled his eyes, "You're not my mom."

"But I'm your boyfriend! You'd get mad at me if I were checking someone out like that!" I crossed my arms.

He stood up, "What's up your ass, Lance? I was just looking at her, I wasn't even flirting!"

I stood up too, "But I know you would've if I wasn't here. Allura told me you tried to get with her!"

"Well, the little slut shot me down, so no problem!" He rolled his eyes again.

I slapped him; I was just so angry. I knew he'd have cheated on me if she had said yes, but luckily, she's a friend. I knew he probably had cheated on me with someone else who didn't care that I was dating him. But I didn't dwell on it for too long because he grabbed my shirt and pushed me down. But I was against the window, so I hit my back on the windowsill really hard.

"Whatever, you little shit! Fucking slut! I'm dumping you like the piece of trash you are!" He stormed out of the room, Acxa following after him with their things.

I started crying, but I didn't want anyone else to see. So I grabbed my backpack and ran off where no one would find me.

>>KEITH<<

Near the end of the day, during my last class, I finally heard from Lance. Algebra was the only class we had together, and I ate lunch outside today, so I hadn't gotten to see him.

Unknown: hey meet me out front by the flag poll after school -lance

Keith: ok

I put my phone away and looked at the clock, counting the seconds until I got to see him again.

He's just so much sweeter than I ever imagined! I literally thought he'd be some sort of princess bitch! But he's super nice!

Then I got the idea to ask my only two friends about him. Pidge and Hunk. Those were only their nicknames. Those aren't their real names; they just hate their names. They're both in the LEGO robotics club. They're also in my homeroom and also don't have many friends. They've adopted me into their group.

Group Chat - FUCKING NERDS

Keith: hey you guys know that lance kid right?

Hunk: you mean the cheer captain?

Pidge: duh, we know him!

Pidge: who doesnt know him???

Keith: fair enough

Keith: what do you think of him?

Hunk: idk i dont really know him

Pidge: he seems nice i guess

Keith: hes coming over to my house to study today

Hunk: thats cool

Hunk: just be on the look out

Keith: why?

Pidge: because lotor is a dick and will probably beat you for even looking at his boyfriend

Hunk: yeah. and then he goes to flirt with every girl in school behind lances back

Keith: dude, thats fucked up. does lance know?

Pidge: no idea. probably does

Keith: that sucks. lance seems so sweet

Hunk: are you crushing on the cheer captain ;)

Keith: NO

Pidge: YOURE SO GAY

Hunk: GET THAT ASS

Hunk changed the group name to "GAYYY"

Pidge changed Keith's name to "Gayass"

Gayass: oh my god

Gayass: im going to kill myself

Gayass: gtg

I put my phone away as I heard the bell ring. I grabbed my bag and rushed to meet Lance by the flagpole. When I got there, I noticed everyone was staring at him and whispering. He looked really upset.

There's probably a bad rumor about him floating around. Ugh. This is exactly why I stay out of the spotlight.

I walked up to him, and he smiled the instant he saw me. "Ready to go?" He asked.

I nodded, "Yeah, I drove here so we can take my car."

He nodded, "I usually take the bus."

We started walking to my car, "My foster dad has two cars. He lets me use the old one that he couldn't sell. It's too rusted, so no one wanted it. But it works just fine."

He nodded, "I heard that you're a foster kid. I just never knew if it was true or not."

"Yeah, it's true. Well, technically not. I'm 18 now, so I've aged out. I never knew my mom and my dad died when I was 8. So I was in foster care for the past 9 years." I shrugged as we reached my rusty, old, red Chevy.

We threw our bags in the back before getting in, "That must suck.. Is your current foster dad any good?"

"Yeah, actually. He's really cool. He's really straightforward with me, too. He told me he wasn't going to adopt me because of my age, but he keeps letting me stay with him even though I aged out of the system. He wanted to adopt me, but I was going to age out before it would be finalized, so there was no point in it." I started to drive towards my house.

He nodded, "That's good. I'm glad you found a family. I know a lot of kids don't. They just age out and have nowhere to go..."

I sighed and nodded, "Yeah, unfortunately.. What about you? What's your family like?"

"Well, it's big. I have four siblings. I'm the middle child, actually. Daniel is the oldest; he's 26. He's moved out and is living with his fiancée. Veronica is the second oldest, she's 22. She stays at home to help out, taking night classes at UCBA. Then there's me, I'm 17. And the youngest are the twins, Maria and Michael. They're 4. They were a surprise, that's why there's such a large age gap. Papa definitely has his hands full between us and Mama. She's sick... Really sick. That's why Veronica stays home; she helps. Danny would come home too, but Mama won't let him. He's starting a family of his own, and she doesn't want to get in the way of that. He proposed to his fiancé a year ago, but they're waiting to get married because they want Mama to be at the wedding. Mama keeps telling him to get married without her." He sighed, getting a bit sad, "She always wants the best for us..."

I frowned, looking over at him, "I'm sorry, Lance.. It must be really hard for you.."

He shrugged before looking out the window again, "Oh, hey, this is my street. I liiiiiiveee... There!" He pointed to his little house. I saw two little kids playing tag in the yard, "That's Maria and Michael." He giggled a bit, all happy again now that he saw his siblings playing.

I smiled at him, "We live really close. I live just around the corner."

I turned the corner and stopped halfway down the street, outside my house. My dad's black car was in the driveway. "My foster dad is home early; you can meet him."

He nodded as we got our bags out of the back seat. Then we walked to the door and I let him inside, "SHIRO!!" I called out.

Shiro came walking into the room. "You don't have to shout like that." He rolled his eyes but then spotted Lance, "Oh, you brought home a friend."

I nodded, "Yeah, this is Lance. We're going to help each other study."

Shiro smiled and shook Lance's hand, "Nice to meet you, Lance. I'm Keith's foster dad, Takashi Shirogane. But everyone just calls me Shiro."

Lance smiled, "Nice to meet you too, Mr Shiro. I'm Lance McClain."

"Just Shiro is fine. You two go study. I can order you some pizza if you start to get hungry. I have to go grocery shopping tomorrow, so we're low on food right now." He chuckled a bit.

"Okay, thanks. Bye." I grabbed Lance's hand and pulled him upstairs to my room. Lance waved as I pulled him away.

I took him to my room and closed the door behind us. He looked around my room. I had band posters and maps of space on my walls. My bedspread was all black. Most of my decor was, really. The glow-in-the-dark stars on my ceiling caught his eye. "Your room is cool. I have to share a room with Michael, so I can't decorate the way I want." He sat down on my queen-size bed.

I laughed softly, "It's my first time having my own room. I took advantage of that." I sat next to him.

"I had my own room after Danny left for college. But then the twins were born. We only have three bedrooms. One for mama and papa, one for the girls, and one for the boys. Veronica was lucky enough to have her own room until she was 17. But once Maria came along, she had to share." He smiled still.

"You're family sounds really fun." I smiled back at him.

"Yeah, it is." He giggled happily.

After that, we got to work. His math notes were a little hard to read because most words were written in Spanish. Luckily, I aced Spanish. He said he loved math because it was universal, with no language barrier. It all looked the same. The only difference was the names for the symbols. After Algebra, I helped him with English. He took out the test he had flunked, and I explained to him where he went wrong. There were a lot of spelling errors, just like he predicted. And he got a lot wrong in the multiple-choice grammar section, too. I could tell it'd take more than one tutoring session for him to catch on, but that was okay. More time with him.

More hearing that adorable laugh that sounded like the voice of an angel...

Chapter Text

>>LANCE<<

I stayed at Keith's until about dinner time. That's when Shiro came upstairs and knocked on the door.

"Come in," Keith said. We were both lying on our stomachs on the floor as he helped me learn how to pronounce some big words.

Shiro opened the door. "Hey, what are you boys working on?"

"Lance didn't start learning English until he was 6, so he has a hard time with it. I'm helping him learn how to pronounce words he's always had difficulty with. He spells similar with a 'u' and even pronounces it like 'simular'. It's actually sorta cute," He laughed a bit.

I blushed and pouted, "Is not. It's embarrassing."

Shiro laughed at us, "I was wondering if you're staying for dinner, Lance. I need to know how much to order."

I nodded, "I still need to tell my sister, but I'm sure she and Papa won't care."

"Okay. What kind of pizza do you like? Keith and I usually get extra cheese with stuffed crust." He smiled at me.

I shouldn't be eating pizza.. I need to lose weight... But I can't sound rude...

"Cheese sounds good. Who doesn't like cheese?" I giggled at him.

Shiro nodded, "Okay. Are you okay with Diet Coke?"

I nodded back, glad he had said 'diet' and not 'regular'.

"Okay, I'll come to get you boys when it's here." He closed the door.

"Bye!" Keith and I said at the same time.

"He's nice." I giggled a bit as we looked down at our papers again.

He nodded, "Yeah, Shiro is really nice." He rolled over onto his back, "My last foster dad was a total dick. Shiro is just... amazing. He treats me like I'm actually his family. And he treats me with respect. And he also treats me my age and not like I'm 5. He's super cool."

I rolled onto my back too, "I'm happy for you.. I just wish you had more friends. I know it can suck to not have any."

He shrugged, "I'm friends with two kids from the robotics club. Hunk and Pidge. But those aren't their real names. Their names are actually Charles Garret and Katelyn Holt. They're both super smart. Pidge has won a shit ton of science awards. And it's not just her; her whole family is smart. Shiro knows her dad and older brother. They all work together."

I nodded, "I've heard of Katelyn.. You know, since she skipped two grades. There was some talk about her. I don't think I've ever really talked to either of them."

"You haven't. They told me they didn't really know you when I told them you were coming over today. Though Pidge said you seemed nice." He looked over at me with a smile.

"I'd like to meet them one day. Everyone knows who I am, but I really only hang out with my squad and Lotor's friends. I know a lot of people, but I never talk to them.. I guess it makes me seem rude." I frowned.

"Pidge and Hunk don't think you're rude," He pointed out.

I sat up, "I guess that's true.. But dating a fucking dick ass jerk doesn't really help my reputation."

Keith sat up and raised his eyebrow at how I described Lotor, but didn't really question it, "Hey, do you want to go downstairs and watch a movie while we wait? I think we've done all the studying we can for tonight." He changed the subject quickly.

I nodded, "Sure, sounds good," I cleaned up all my stuff and put it back in my backpack.

He cleaned his stuff up, too, and we went downstairs. I plopped down on the couch and texted my sister as he picked out a movie. He put in Spider-Man before flopping next to me. It was the original Spider-Man, too.

"This movie okay?" He asked, looking over at me.

I nodded, "I like this version of Spider-Man best actually. Though I don't like this MJ that much. Gwen was such a better love interest, and Zendeya's MJ is amazing. They're both smart and
Gwen helps Peter a bit. Old MJ is just a ditsy actress who is just another boring love interest."

"Oh my god, right?! I think my favorite version of Peter is Tom Holland. I love Spider-Man: Homecoming. He's so hyper and cute." He smiled at me.

"Yeah, but he's more geeky than the older versions. I get that Peter is a nerd, but they made him geeky instead of nerdy in Civil War. Ya know? There's a difference. And, if he is so geeky, then why is he saying stuff like 'that really old movie, Star Wars'? Like, he should know it's not that old. He built a LEGO Death Star with Ned for crying out loud. And what happened to Peter's photography? That was his entire career, and they scrapped it!"

Keith nodded, "I totally get it, it's contradictory, and they threw out a key part of his character design. I still like him more in the new ones, either way. They're still better than Spider-Man 3."

I don't know what contradictory means, but whatever.

I rolled my eyes, "That movie was meant to be bad."

"Why would they purposefully make a bad movie?"

"The director, Sam Raimi, pretty much had to make the movie against his will. He didn't want Venom to be in the movie, but Sony said he had to. He's gone on record saying he hates Venom. So the whole movie is pretty much a big 'fuck you' to Sony. The CGI in the beginning wasn't what it could be, though they did make up for it with the Sandman's animation. The scenes alone were good, but the way the movie was cut together was just off. And there were too many villains. They used to be good at only doing one villain at a time. They worked up to Harry becoming a villain, letting Doc Oct have his arc first. But in 3, there are three villains. Sandman, Venom, and Harry. There's a lot wrong with the movie. Raimi was pretty much trying to prove them wrong. Pretty much 'this idea sucks and I'm going to fuck it up just to prove it'. Basically, what I'm saying is: Raimi could've made this movie amazing, but he chose not to because it wasn't the movie he wanted to make."

Keith nodded, "I guess that makes sense. But even if we take 3 out of the equation, I still prefer the new ones."

I shrugged, "Agree to disagree?"

"Agree to disagree. But I think we can agree that Andrew Garfield sucked."

"Definitely."

Shiro walked into the room. "Are you two really going over the differences between the versions of Spider-Man?" He laughed.

"Yes!" We blurted out at the same time before laughing too.

Keith looked at me, "I never would've thought you're into superheroes."

I shrug, "Eh, I love me a man in some tight ass spandex." I teased with a giggle, "Kidding, slightly. I just always loved superheroes. Spider-Man was actually my favorite for a long time."

Shiro sat down in the recliner, "You two seem to be getting along well.." he smirked a bit.

Keith rolled his eyes. "He's dating the quarterback, Shiro."

I looked down, "Well, I was..."

I don't get why that's even relevant, but whatever.

Keith looked at me with wide eyes, "You two broke up? You were together just this morning."

"He, uh, he dumped me. But it's whatever." I shrugged.

Keith must've decided to leave it be for now because he looked at Shiro again, "Lance is cheer captain, Shiro. Isn't that cool?" He tried to change the subject.

Shiro smiled, "That's really cool, Lance. You must be really good."

I smiled a bit and looked up again, "Well, how many guys do you know that can do the splits and not cry like a little kid?" I laughed.

"No way. Do it." Keith laughed a bit, not believing me.

I shrugged and stood up, "I can do it standing." I lifted my foot into the air above my head, as high as possible. Then I dropped it and leaned forward, raising it the other way.

Keith and Shiro's jaws dropped. Keith blushed a bit, "Damn, Lance.. You're... flexible."

I giggled and did the splits on the ground, leaning back all the way to touch the foot that was behind me, "I've had years of practice." I sat up again and moved my legs to both be in front of me.

Shiro chuckled, "I see why you made captain."

I rolled my eyes, "Being flexible doesn't make you captain. I have to come up with all our new routines and stuff like that. It's hard work." I got up and sat on the couch again.

Keith nodded, "I guess that makes sense."

The doorbell rang, and Shiro stood up, "Food's here." He went to the door.

I looked down at my phone, seeing a text from my sister.

Veronica: have fun with your friend. lotor stopped by with some flowers

Lance: ugh. what did you say to him?

Veronica: that you weren't home but I'd tell you he stopped by

Lance: next time tell him to fuck off and find someone else to toy with

Veronica: what did he do?

Lance: "im dumping you like the absolute trash you are"

Lance: let's just leave it at that

Veronica: I'll kill him

Veronica: but anyway. I'll see you when you get home ♡

I sighed and put my phone down as Shiro walked in with the pizza box and a two-liter of Diet Coke. He left to get plates and cups for us.

Keith looked at me, "Everything okay? Was that your sister?"

I nodded, "Yeah, it's fine. Apparently, Lotor showed up at my house with flowers earlier." Shiro walked back into the room, "He can take his flowers and shove them up his ass." I frowned.

Shiro sighed, "You mean that quarterback you were dating?"

Keith nodded at him before looking back at me, "Must've been one hell of a break up.. You seem pretty forgiving."

I nodded, "Too forgiving... But whatever. I'm hungry and don't want to think about him anymore."

Shiro nodded and handed me a plate with two pieces of pizza and a cup of Diet Coke. I thanked him before setting the cup down and starting to eat.

Keith sighed, obviously wanting to ask more. But he didn't. He just started eating, too.

"I can leave you two alone now if you want. I'm sure you don't want me lingering around." Shiro laughed a bit.

I shook my head, "Do whatever you want. You aren't bothering us."

"Yeah. Watch the movie with us, Shiro."

Shiro nodded and sat in the recliner again with his food and drink. We ate and talked until the movie was over, none of us really even paying attention.

>>KEITH<<

"He seems like a nice kid," Shiro said as he loaded the dishwasher. Lance had gone upstairs to use the restroom, so it was just me and Shiro now. I told him I'd meet him in my room.

"Yeah, I think he is. We never really talked much until today. I always thought that because he was popular and his boyfriend is an ass that he'd be a total ass too. Damn, was I wrong. He's super sweet. Today was our first real conversation, and it started with him offering to tutor me. I figured if he was offering to help instead of making fun, then I should give him a chance. Best decision ever." I put away the leftover pizza and soda.

Shiro sighed, "What's the deal with this boyfriend?"

I sat down at the table, "He's the biggest dick ever! He's a total jerk to everyone, even Lance. Hunk told me that Lotor goes and flirts with everyone behind Lance's back all the time. Pidge told me that Lotor would probably beat me up for even looking at Lance, though. He pushes me around all the time. Lance got upset when he found that out. And I really want to know how this breakup went down. Because people were staring at him and whispering after school today, he looked really upset about it..."

Shiro sat across from me, "Why don't you ask him to spend the night? Lord knows that you need more friends. And if this Lotor is as much of a jerk as you say he is.. Then Lance might be needing someone to talk to right now."

I nodded and stood up, "Okay.. That works. Thanks, Shiro."

"No problem. Just no sex with me in the house." He called after me as I ran upstairs.

"Gross!!" I yelled back, going to my room.

Well, with a hot ass hell boy that can bend like that... I wouldn't mind...

I shook the thoughts out of my head and walked into my room, seeing Lance sitting on my bed, "Hey, Lance. It's getting late. Do you just want to spend the night?"

He nodded, shrugging a bit, "Sure, why not? Let me text my sister real quick." he pulled out his phone and sent her a text. I flopped down on the bed next to him. I noticed his phone was an older model, and the case was really beaten up, but I didn't say anything about it. I used to have the same phone situation before Shiro bought me a new one. At least his screen wasn't cracked like my old phone was.

"So, why was everyone whispering about you while we left school today?" I asked, leaning back.

He sighed and put his phone away, "I told you, Lotor and I broke up... Everyone saw... So, everyone was talking about it. I'm surprised you didn't hear about it."

"I didn't hear anything, but I don't participate in petty gossip. It's rarely accurate to what actually happened." I looked at him still, "What did happen?"

He sighed and leaned back with me, looking up at the glow in the dark stars on my ceiling, "We got in another fight.. He was checking out some girl right in front of me, and I called him out. He was being such a dick. I told him I knew he tried to get with one of my cheer girls. He said she turned him down, so it shouldn't matter. He called her a slut. Next thing I know, I slap him. I was just so fed up with him always treating me like shit, and he had said that thing about one of my girls. He got pissed and pushed me so hard I would've fallen if I wasn't right next to the windowsill. He stormed out of the room after dumping me..."

I could see him start to tear up, but he quickly turned his head away. I reached over and held his hand, "Sounds to me like you're better off without him... I think you're amazing and anybody in the school would be so lucky to have you..."

He sniffled a bit as he looked over at me, "You barely know me..."

"That's true... But I know you enough to want to get to know you more. And I hate people." I laughed a bit.

He laughed too, "Thanks, Keith. That means a lot."

"No problem, buddy." I sat up, "I'm going to get changed. Want to borrow some clothes? I'm sure I might have something that'll fit you well enough that you can sleep in it."

He looked down at his outfit, "Yeah, these shorts wouldn't be comfortable to sleep in."

I nodded and started going through his clothes, finding him some baggy, grey sweatpants and a NASA t-shirt. He went to the bathroom to change while I stayed in my room.

I changed into some red sweatpants and a black V-neck. I usually slept in something like that.

I watched as Lance walked back in, wearing his hoodie over the pajamas I had lent him. I raised my eyebrow, "Why are you still wearing your hoodie? Aren't you hot?"

"Nah, I'm fine. I'm always cold for some reason, so this is fine." He shrugged, plopping down on the bed beside me.

"Then why are you sweating?" I reached up and wiped his wet forehead a bit.

He looked like a deer caught in headlights, "I, uh.. I just want to keep it on.." he looked away, obviously hiding something.

I reached over and held his hand again, "Is something wrong?"

He shook his head, "I'm fine, I just want to keep it on..."

"Why is it such a big deal to you?" I stroked the back of his hand with my thumb.

"I don't want you to see..." I mumbled.

"See what? What are you covering up?" I was afraid Lotor had hurt him, and he was hiding the evidence.

He sighed and pulled his hoodie off. I could see bandages showing from under the sleeves of the shirt.

I frowned, "Did Lotor hurt you? Let me see.."

"He didn't hurt me this time.. Um. I-I, uh, I did..." He sniffled a bit and pulled the sleeve up, showing me countless cuts and scars.

I let out a tiny gasp and leaned in to get a closer look, "Lance.. I... I'm so sorry, Lance.. You must be in a really tough situation if you resorted to this."

He started to cry a bit, "I-I just really hate me sometimes... I just sometimes want to die.. I did it today... In the locker rooms after lunch.. I just felt so bad about myself..."

I leaned over and pulled him into a hug, "You don't have to explain everything tonight.. But I'm here for you. I want to help you realize how wonderful you are.. I'll help you through this, I promise."

Wait a minute.. He said "this time"..

He cried in my arms for a few minutes before he calmed down and pulled away, smiling at me, "Thank you, Keith.. Thanks a lot..."

I nodded and wiped his tears away, "No problem, really... I know I said you didn't have to explain everything tonight.. But I just realized you said Lotor didn't hurt you this time.. Meaning he's hurt you before?"

He sighed and looked down, "Yeah.. Just like, pushing me around.. And sometimes he'll hit me.. Or make me get in bed with him and do stuff."

"He raped you?" I felt anger wash over me, but I did my best to stay calm.

"Well, not exactly... I didn't fight him that much the first few times, and the rest I didn't fight him at all." He played with the drawstrings of the pants he was wearing.

"Did you say no the first few times? Even just once?"

"Yeah..."

"Then he raped you, Lance.. That's not okay...." I reached over to rub his back.

"Ow ow ow!" He moved away from my hand, "That's where the windowsill hit me when he pushed me."

I pulled up his shirt to look at his back. I saw a super dark, big bruise. "Lance, that's a really bad bruise."

"It feels really bad..." he frowned as I lowered his shirt again.

"Let's just get some sleep for now... Okay, Lance..? We can talk about this more in the morning." I sighed, deciding he's been through enough for one day.

He nodded, and we lay down together. I pulled the blanket over us.

"Lance.. I'm glad you told me... Would you feel okay telling Shiro? I think he can help you.." I held his hand again.

He thought before nodding, "Yeah, he's nice.. I guess I'll tell him...."

I smiled at him, "Okay, thank you.. Goodnight, Lance."

"Goodnight, Keith.." he closed his eyes with a smile.

I planned on taking Lance downstairs to tell Shiro everything first thing in the morning. But for now, he just needs to sleep.

Chapter Text

>>KEITH<<

I woke up to see that Lance had stolen all the blankets. I didn't mind. I chuckled a bit as I looked at him. He was all curled up under the blankets. He looked happy. I decided I'd just let him keep sleeping and give Shiro a heads-up on what I was going to have Lance tell him later.

I got out of bed as carefully as I could so I wouldn't wake him up before grabbing my phone and leaving the room. I checked my phone as I walked downstairs. I had a few texts from those idiots I call my best friends.

Group Chat - GAYYY

Pidge: hey gayass did you get any cheerleader ass?

Hunk: dude i heard lance is single now ;)

Pidge: GET IT, KEITH, GET IT

I rolled my eyes after reading their messages and decided to reply.

Gayass changed the chat name to "die"

Gayass changed his name to "Keith"

Keith: i hate you

Keith: both of you

Keith: and no. i didn't get any ass last night

Keith: some bad shit happened actually

Keith: can't explain now

I knew it'd be a bit before either of them woke up and replied, so I put my phone away and walked into the kitchen. Shiro was already up and making a cup of coffee.

"Morning, Keith." He smiled sleepily.

"You need to shave." I pat his cheek before going to sit down at the table, "Drink your coffee quickly because I have to talk to you."

He sat at the table with me, setting his cup down to cool, "I assume it's serious then."

I nodded, "It's about Lance. But you have to be awake and thinking rationally when I tell you."

"Okay, got it." He started drinking his coffee, "Does it have anything to do with that ex-boyfriend of his?"

"It has everything to do with him." I sighed and ran my hand through my hair, "It is super serious, Shiro. Lance really needs to talk to an adult about this."

He nodded, drinking his coffee still, "And that's why you're telling me... Are you sure he shouldn't tell me himself?"

"He will. I just wanted you to be prepared for it so you don't overreact and make him think he should've stayed quiet about it." I bit my lip.

Shiro just chugged the rest of his coffee, probably burning his throat a bit, "Okay, lay it on me."

I sighed, "There's no delicate way to put this, so I'll just come right out and say it. Lotor abuses Lance and rapes him. Lance also cuts himself."

Shiro's eyes widened, and he was completely speechless. He let it sink in for a minute before finally saying something, "He told you all this last night?"

I nodded, "I saw the cuts myself. Also, a super bad bruise on his back from when Lotor pushed him at lunch yesterday. And when I asked about Lotor hurting him, he said Lotor pushes him around, sometimes hits him, and he makes him get in bed with him and makes him do things. That's how he phrased it. He said he fought against Lotor and said no the first few times, but after a while, he just gave in. That's all I know so far. I told him he didn't have to explain everything last night. But he agreed to tell you what's been happening."

Shiro nodded, thinking everything over, "When was the last time he cut?"

"He said he did it yesterday after Lotor broke up with him.. You'll see his bandages if he's not wearing his hoodie again; the shirt sleeves weren't long enough to cover them. It looks like he's been doing it for years, judging by how some are scarred now. For all I know, he and Lotor might've been together for years.. This could've been happening to him for years, and no one knew..." I looked down at the table, "I just want to help him..."

Shiro nodded, "We'll get him help. I promise. If we don't help him, then he might not get help at all."

"That's what I'm afraid of.." I stopped talking when I heard Lance coming downstairs.

Lance walked into the kitchen, rubbing his eye and yawning cutely. He was wearing his hoodie.

Shiro chuckled, "Someone's still tired."

Lance shrugged and sat at the table, "I woke up in the middle of the night but didn't want to wake Keith. So I stayed up watching YouTube on my phone until I passed out again..." He laid his head down.

"Did you have a bad dream or something?" I asked, tilting my head to look at him better.

"No.. I just couldn't sleep... I get insomnia sometimes... It comes and goes. Last night, it decided it was time to come back." He sat up again.

I would've stayed up with him if I knew...

"We have coffee if you want some." Shiro offered.

"I'm fine. I can never get it the way I like it when I make it myself. Normal coffee is too bitter, so I get premade sugary coffee." He smiled.

"Ah, that's how Keith likes it, too. He loves his caramel cappuccinos." Shiro laughed a bit.

I laughed too, "They're good!"

Lance giggled softly, "I like mocha frappès and lattes. My sister keeps the fridge stocked with those Starbucks mocha frappuccinos that you can get at the store. I drink those before school all the time."

Shiro nodded, "I'll keep that in mind and get you some next time you spend the night."

Lance blushed, "You don't have to do that for me. I'll be fine without caffeine."

I hated to ruin the happy moment, but I needed Lance to tell Shiro everything, "Uh, Lance.. I was just telling Shiro about our conversation last night when you came down."

Lance looked down, "Oh... okay..."

Shiro sighed, "I'd like it if you could tell me in your own words... Start from the beginning..."

Lance nodded, "Well, I guess it started when Lotor asked me out in eighth grade... I was 14 and he was 15... He had been flirting with me for months, and asked me out in this really romantic way... I said yes. We were happy together until freshman year... He started to yell at me a lot and push me around... And then he'd apologize with gifts, and he'd tell me he loved me... I-It was halfway through freshman year when he first...touched me. It was his birthday and he said that's what he wanted as his present. I told him no and that I didn't want to... But he hit me... And then he pinned me onto the bed... He started.. He..." He couldn't finish the sentence, the mere memory of the incident bringing him to tears.

Shiro reached over and rubbed Lance's forearm, "It's okay... You don't have to go deep into detail... What happened after he did that to you?"

Lance sniffled and wiped his tears away, "H-He had tied me up while he touched me... Afterward, he left me like that... While he slept next to me... I ended up falling asleep too, I was so exhausted.. He untied me while I was still asleep.. I woke up and he had flowers and candies for me. He told me what he did was what all couples did... He said the flowers and candy were for an apology because he hurt me while doing it. He told me next time I couldn't fight him or it'd hurt then too... I-I don't know why, but I ended up staying with him... But it just got worse and worse... H-He got more violent and made me get in bed with him more and more often.. I-I wanted to leave him... I started cutting myself... I-I was so sick of it... It wasn't until my 17th birthday that I actually stood up for myself against him, though... I-I told him I was breaking up with him.. But he started screaming at me. H-He said we weren't over until he said we were over... H-He made me get in bed with him again and said so many awful th-things... I wanted to kill myself... B-But I didn't... I stayed with him... I-I let him keep hurting me because I didn't know what else to do... But yesterday at lunch, I-I just snapped... I slapped him because he admitted to trying to hook up with one of my cheer girls... He said that she was a slut and turned him down, so it shouldn't matter... I-I was so angry... After I slapped him, he grabbed me and tried to push me down, but I-I hit the window instead.. He said 'I'm dumping you like the absolute trash you are' then left with Acxa, his sister. I-I went to the locker rooms and cut myself again after that... I acted like nothing had happened during the rest of my c-classes and met Keith outside after school..." He cried while saying all of that, but broke down into sobs when he was done.

I got up and pulled him into a hug, rubbing his back but avoiding his bruise, "It's okay, Lance.. We'll get this taken care of... I promise..."

I'm literally going to murder Lotor, literally.

He cried into my chest, and I looked at Shiro. I just realized that Shiro was making an audio recording of the entire conversation on his phone. Good, it means Lance won't have to repeat this as much.. Lance continued to cry for at least ten minutes before he pulled away and wiped his tears away.

"Lance. Just two more questions and we can leave the subject alone for now.. When was the last time he, uh, got into bed with you?" Shiro asked softly.

Lance thought about it for a moment, "Wednesday, I think... Yeah. I went to his house after cheer practice..." He sniffled and rubbed his eyes.

Shiro nodded, "Okay... Last question.. Can I tell your parents about this? They need to know..."

Lance nodded slowly, "Yeah.. You can tell my sister... I don't want Mama to know, and Papa will react better if he hears it from Veronica..."

Shiro nodded and ended the recording, "Okay... That's enough for right now... Why don't you boys go get ready, and I'll take you out for breakfast?"

I smiled, "Okay, thanks, Shiro..." Lance and I stood up.

"Oh, wait, almost forgot. Lance, can I see your bruise?" Shiro asked, needing to see it before it faded.

Lance nodded and turned his back to Shiro before lifting his shirt up. I saw Shiro's eyes widen, and he took a quick picture of it.

"Sorry, Lance. That really is all this time. We're done for now." Shiro sighed

Lance nodded and pulled his shirt down, "It's fine."

"Lance, you head upstairs. I'll be there in a minute..." I told him softly. He nodded before going upstairs. I turned to face Shiro, "What do you think we should do?"

He sighed, "I think I should talk to his sister when we drop him off at his house later. They need to know... I recorded everything so he won't have to explain it all again. I'll just play the recording for her and show her the picture of his bruise. I'll let her and their father decide the best course of action. I'll help them if they need it."

I nodded, "Thank you... His home life is a bit shaky right now, too..."

"That boy..." Shiro sighed before standing up, "Lance is a really sweet kid, Keith. We'll help him, I promise."

I smiled, "You're a good person."

"Well, I didn't take in a foster kid because I was bored," He pat my head and ruffled my hair, "I like helping people."

I nodded, "Have I ever thanked you for that?"

"No, but you don't have to. You deserve all of this. Now go upstairs, Lance is waiting." He pushed me towards the door.

I chuckled and nodded, "Okay. But we get to choose where we eat, and you're going to have to deal with it." I started to walk upstairs.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Go," he laughed at me.

"And you need to shave," I went into my room.

Lance was texting someone when I walked in; he was frowning.

"Hey, you okay?" I asked as I sat next to him on the bed.

He shrugged and put his phone down, "Lotor showed up at my house again this morning. This time with some candy and a teddy bear. Veronica told him to fuck off before slamming the door in his face." He laid down and put a pillow over his head.

I sighed and pulled the pillow away from him, "We're done talking about Lotor, we aren't even going to think about him. Okay? We're going to get up, and Shiro is going to take us out for breakfast. That's what we're going to think about. Now get up, put on your ridiculously short shorts, and tell the world to fuck off!"

He giggled softly and nodded, "Okay, I'm getting up!" He sat up and went to grab his clothes.

He changed in front of me this time, not having to hide his scars anymore. He kept his underwear on, so no big deal. But damn, seeing him half naked... Damn!

I shook the thought out of my head before going to my dresser and picking out an outfit for the day, "You can borrow some of my clothes if you want, Lance." I pulled out some black, ripped skinny jeans and a faded, red t-shirt.

"Can I borrow a shirt? It's supposed to be hot today, and I was wearing a tank top yesterday." He pulled his shorts on.

I nodded, understanding he'd be uncomfortable in a hoodie if it was so hot, "Yeah, let me find one that'll cover your scars better." I dug through my clothes until I found a dark blue shirt with sleeves that went to the elbow. The fabric was super thin, "Here." I smiled at him, looking into his eyes to avoid looking at his abs.

"Thanks." He smiled and put it on; it was a bit small, but it'd do. And he happened to look even hotter wearing it, but that's not relevant.

I got changed into my own clothes as he put his shoes on. "So, where do you want to go for breakfast?"

He shrugged, finishing tying his shoes, "I dunno. Sorta craving pancakes." He giggled a bit.

God, his laugh sounds like the voice of an angel.. His smile is like the sun itself..

I chuckled a bit and sat next to him, "Then IHOP it is." I started to put on my shoes, my typical black vans. I wasn't wearing my jacket today, so I wore my bracelets. I then grabbed my eyeliner pencil and started putting it on.

"You look ultra emo today, Keith." Lance teased, standing up.

I rolled my eyes, "And you look ultra gay."

And ultra sexy, but let's not go there.

He laughed, "Just because I've been dating a dude since eighth grade doesn't mean I'm gay. I'd go either way, just so you know."

"Yeah, whatever." I stood up, "Your shorts say otherwise."

Group Chat - die

Pidge: everything okay?

Hunk: did lance turn out to be a zombie?

Pidge: SHUT UP ABOUT THAT BOOK

Hunk: ALL THE CHEERLEADERS WERE ZOMBIES

I laughed softly and decided to text them back.

Keith: he's definitely not a zombie

Keith: i cant give details but lance confided in me about something

Keith: it was super serious but i cant tell you

Pidge: is he okay?

Keith: no, not really

Hunk: did you tell shiro?

Keith: yeah, he's gonna help lance

Keith: he ended up spending the night last night and we're about to go out for breakfast

Pidge: you had a hot cheerleader in your bed and you didn't get any ass??

Hunk: what a waste

Keith: after what he told me, i wouldnt dare

Keith: but if the circumstances were different, id be all over that ;)

Pidge: omg

Pidge: he's single now

Hunk: yeah, go for it

Keith: i will, just not yet

I put my phone away as Shiro came downstairs, "Okay! Let's get going." He grabbed his wallet and keys as we made our way out the door.

Chapter Text

>>LANCE<<

Shiro took us to IHOP and got us what we wanted; no one brought up our conversation from this morning. Which was good, I didn't want to think about it. I got one pancake with sugar-free syrup and a bowl of fruit. After breakfast, Shiro started to drive me home.

"Hey, Lance... Is it okay if I talk to your sister today?" Shiro asked, looking at me through the rearview mirror.

I shrugged, "Yeah, I guess that's okay.."

He nodded, and we drove the rest of the way in silence. When we got there, we all got out of the car. I opened the front door, letting them in.

"Veronica?" I called out as I set my bag by the door.

Michael came running over and started hugging my leg, "Lance home, Lance home!!!! Veronica, Lance home!!"

Veronica walked into the room, holding Maria, "Hey, you're finally home." She kissed my cheek.

"Uh, this is Keith and Shiro... Shiro is Keith's foster dad. I'm, uh, going to show Keith around the house. I'll take the twins with me." I took Maria from her and looked at Michael, "Wanna show my friend our room?"

"Yeah!!!" Michael jumped up and down before grabbing Keith's arm, "Come on! Come on!"

"Okay, I'm coming." Keith laughed a bit, following him back. I walked behind them. I heard Shiro start talking to Veronica.

"Your name is Veronica, right?"

"Yes, is everything alright?"

"I'm Takashi Shirogane, you can call me Shiro. I have something I need to discuss with you regarding your brother."

That was all I heard before we reached my room.

Please don't overreact...

"This is my bed, and that Lance's bed," Michael said as he jumped on his bed. His side of the room had a bunch of race car stuff, he loved it. My side of the room had all my cheer and gymnastics trophies. I didn't have many decorations. We're too tight on money for me to go buy that kind of stuff, even though I do have an allowance.

Keith looked around, "Wow, it's really cool." He smiled.

Michael nodded and ran to my side and pointed to my trophies, "Lance got those at competition. He won boy and girl competitions and all-boy competitions. He really good at cheer."

"I'm not that good. Not all of those are in first place. And there are plenty of competitions where I don't get any trophy." I pat Michael's head.

Keith picked up one of my first-place trophies, "Still. I don't have any trophies, and you have all of these. Don't be so modest, be proud of it. Not everyone can say they placed first at a tri-state gymnastics competition." He set it down.

"Yeah, I guess so. Though I never made it to nationals. I quit competitive gymnastics when I started high school and decided to focus more on cheerleading. Me and the girls actually qualified for a national competition this year, it's coming up soon." I smiled.

"Well, I'll be there to watch." He sat down on my bed, and I set Maria down next to him. "Well, hello, little lady." He smiled at her.

She just giggled and poked his cheek. Michel looked over, "Ria don't talk to strangers. She sometimes don't talk to us. It depends on how she feeling."

Keith nodded, "Well, it's good not to talk to strangers. You should never talk to strangers unless your parents or older siblings say it's okay."

"That's what Veronica said. And she told us no more talking to mean Lotor anymore. She said that this morning. She said we can't open the door for him anymore." Michael shrugged, running over to his toys.

I sighed, "That's good. Me and Lotor are broken up, so he's not allowed here anymore. If you see him, then you go get Veronica or Papa."

"Lotor came over this morning, and Veronica yelled at him. He had a teddy bear, and she threw it in the garden before slamming the door. She was super mad." Michael started to play with one of his model cars.

I sighed and picked up Maria again, sitting down with her in my lap, "She's going to be super super angry with him for a super super long time. He's a bad man, Michael."

"If he bad than why you dated him?" He looked over at me.

"I guess I just didn't know how bad he was until now..." I bit my lip, knowing he was way too young to know the truth, "Sometimes bad people don't always look bad. They look really nice and try to gain your trust, just so they can hurt you. That's why we don't take candy from strangers. Just because they're nice right now doesn't mean they're nice all the time."

The twins both nodded. Then, Veronica came into the room, her eyes were red. "Keith, can you watch the twins for a moment while I talk to Lance with Shiro?" She smiled at him.

He nodded, "Yeah, no problem..."

I set Maria in Keith's lap before following Veronica out to our living room. Shiro was sitting on the little couch, and Veronica and I sat on the big couch.

Veronica held my hand and looked at me, "Lance, Shiro just played a recording for me... A recording of a conversation you two had this morning... And he showed me a picture of your back... What do you have to say about that?"

I shrugged and looked down, "I don't know... I said everything I had to say in that recording..." I bit my lip.

"Okay... Can you show me your arms?" Veronica rubbed my hand with her thumb. I nodded slowly and pulled my sleeve up, showing her the old scars. The newer ones were on my other arm. She touched them gently before kissing my cheek, "Lance... I wish you had told me..."

I kept looking down, "I'm sorry..." I sniffled a bit.

Veronica pulled me into a hug, kissing the top of my head, "Don't be sorry, Lance..."

I kept sniffling, hugging her back, "Wh-What are you gonna do?"

"I'm going to tell Papa, and we're going to decide what to do from there," Veronica rubbed my back, below the bruise.

"Just don't tell Mamal; she doesn't need this..." I pulled away, rubbing my eyes.

Veronica nodded, "Okay... I agree..."

I looked over at Shiro, "Thank you... For telling her for me..."

He nodded, "I sent her the recording and the picture so she can show it to your father. I understand having to repeat it more than necessary would be hard for you..."

There was a knock at the door, and Shiro looked out the window since he was sitting right next to it, "Oh god, I think it's him."

"Seriously?! This is the third time he's shown up here!" Veronica stood up, looking out the window too, "Yup, it's Lotor." She walked to the door, opening it, "I told you not to come back here!"

"I just want to see Lance and apologize... Veronica, please let me in..."

I looked down, listening in on the conversation. Shiro reached across the table and held my hand.

"Lance doesn't want to see you. You hurt him, Lotor. He's done with you. So get out of here before I call the police."

"For what? Knocking on the door?" Lotor laughed a bit.

"No, harassment. And while they're here, I can tell them about how you abused him! It'll save me a trip to the station!"

"Seriously?! He said I abused him?!"

"Yeah, he did. And he has a bruise on his back to prove it! From when you pushed him yesterday!"

Lotor hesitated, "He only bumped the windowsill. It can't be that bad..."

"Oh really?!" Veronica paused, "Does this look like a little bump to you?!" I assumed she was showing him the picture.

"I-I.."

"I don't want to hear your excuses. Get off my porch. If you show up here again, I'm going to have to call the police. And you better hope Danny doesn't come home and beat the shit out of you for what you've done." Veronica closed the door and walked back into the living room. She watched out the window until he left.

"He always shows up after we fight," I mumbled, still looking down.

"Yeah, well, this is more than a stupid fight. If he keeps showing up, then they can get him for harassment as well..." Veronica sighed, "He's not leaving. He's sitting on the sidewalk."

Shiro stood up, "I'll handle it, Veronica," he walked out of the room and outside. I looked out the window to see how it'd go down.

"Do you have a problem, kid?" Shiro asked, walking over to him.

"I'm on the sidewalk, public property." Lotor stood, crossing his arms.

"I never said you were trespassing. Harassment can still take place on public property."

Lotor looked a bit upset over that, "I just want to see him."

"He doesn't want to see you. Get out of here, kid." Shiro waved him off.

"I'm waiting for my sister to pick me up." Lotor looked all confident again. Lotor got his license taken away for drunk driving, so Acxa was driving him everywhere.

"Then wait at the corner of the street. Not here. I will call the police."

"Who are you anyway? I've never seen you here before."

"My foster son is friends with Lance. Lance spent the night at our house last night, and I'm here dropping him off and having a talk with Veronica."

"Foster son? You mean that emo new kid? Wow. Lance has really dropped his standards," Lotor rolled his eyes.

Keith is twice the man you'll ever be, fucking asswipe.

Acxa pulled up in their plum purple car, parking by them, "Lotor, hurry. I'm going over to Ezor's after I drop you off."

Lotor nodded, getting in the car. The two of them drove off. I sighed and went to sit down again as Shiro walked back inside.

"That boy..." Shiro mumbled as he walked back in, "He's definitely a talker..."

Veronica chuckled a bit, "Yeah, no kidding."

"He's a manipulative little shit..." I stood up, heading back to my room.

Keith was on the floor playing with cars with the twins. I smiled and walked over, picking up a car too.

Michael looked at me, "We heard his voice but not what he said. Did Veronica make him leave?"

I sighed and shook my head, "No, Keith's foster dad did. Lotor wouldn't leave, so Shiro went out and made him."

"What a foster dad?" Michael and Maria both looked confused.

Keith smiled, "I don't have a family, so Shiro lets me live with hi,m and he's like my dad. A foster dad is someone who's your dad because they want to be, not because you're their actual son."

Michael paused for a second, "If Mama die, do we get a foster mom?"

I sighed, "No, Michael. We just won't have any mom. Foster parents are for kids with no mom and no dad. We still have a dad. Papa will take care of us."

Michael nodded again, "Okay... I wouldn't want a different mama anyways. I like the mama we have now."

"Me too... I should go check on her..." I stood up, "Keith, do you want to meet my mom if she's awake?"

Keith stood up, "Sure."

I left the room with him and we went down the hall to Mama and Papa's room. I opened the door and saw Mama was asleep in her chair, holding a book in her lap. I checked her oxygen tank and IV before looking at Keith.

"Why isn't she in the hospital?" He whispered, lingering in the doorway.

"We can't afford it. Besides, she'd much rather stay home with her family. She's, uh, she has cancer. It might be terminal, we don't know yet. So all we can do is keep her comfortable and take her to her appointments, hoping for the best." I set her book on the table and covered her with a blanket.

Keith sighed and walked in, placing his hand on my shoulder, "I'm so sorry, Lance. It sounds like you all love her very much. She sounds like a very sweet woman."

I nodded, "Yeah. You're right... Michael and Maria still don't seem to realize how bad she is, and it breaks my heart." I turned to look at him.

Keith smiled sadly, "Just let them have hope."

I nodded, "Let's leave her be." I left the room with him, closing the door behind us.

He and I walked back out to the living room, seeing Veronica and Shiro talking by the door. Shiro looked at us.

"Lance, me and your sister have come to an agreement. She thinks it'd be best if you weren't home tonight when she tells everything to your father. I offered to have you come over for the night again if you're both okay with that."

Keith and I both nodded, "Yeah, I'll go pack some clothes."

I went back and packed a bag quickly, using my spare cheer bag. It was a baby blue color with "McCLAIN" bedazzled on the side in dark blue. Shay did that to all our bags last season. I came back out and gave Veronica a hug.

"Te amo, Lance..." she said softly, kissing my cheek.

"Yo también te quiero... Sólo asegúrate de que mama no se entere de esto," I sighed.

Veronica nodded, "Por supuesto... No te preocupes por esto. Vas a pasar la noche con time amigo, diviértete. Yo y Papa lo resolveremos. Ahora ve. Sé in adolescente y metete en problemas, pero no demasiados problemas."

I laughed a bit and nodded, "Bueno. Ate veré mañana," I left with Shiro and Keith. Shiro took my bag and put it in the car for me.

"What did your sister say?" Shiro asked as he got in the car, "The Spanish?"

"Oh, just that she loves me and not to worry about our parents right now," I said with a shrug, summarizing the quick conversation to a single sentence.

Shiro nodded and drove back to his house. It was just around the corner, so it took less than two minutes to get there.

Keith took my bag in for me, both of us going up to his room again. I flopped down on his bed as he set my bag down.

I heard him sigh as he walked over, "I know it's been a rough morning for you. We can do something if you want, to get your mind off of things."

I shook my head, "I feel drained."

Keith thought for a moment, "Why don't we just watch movies in the living room until you feel better?"

I sat up, "I guess that sounds good."

He smiled at me, "We can watch whatever you want, we have an extensive DVD collection and Netflix."

I smiled back at stood up, "So many possibilities." I giggled.

He nodded and stood up too, "Let's get on downstairs then."

I nodded and we both went back downstairs, about to start a movie marathon.

Chapter Text

>>KEITH<<

Lance ended up falling asleep on the couch halfway through our first movie. He had his head resting on my shoulder, so I didn't dare get up and risk waking him. He continued to sleep as I kept Hulu playing on the TV, playing season one of Adventure Time now.

Shiro came into the room after a while, smiling at us, "I'm heading to the store. Any special requests?"

I looked down at Lance, then back at Shiro, "Not for me. But since Lance is staying the night again, maybe we can get that coffee he likes?"

Shiro nodded, "Alright, are you two going to be okay while I'm gone?"

"Yeah, I'm just going to let him sleep until lunch. He's had a rough couple of days." I sighed.

Shiro nodded, "Yeah... He has... I'll be back soon." he walked out of the room.

"Bye," I called out to him as he put his shoes on.

I listened as he left the house, locking the door behind him.

I watched the show for another half hour, then Lance started to wake up. I didn't notice until I heard a tiny laugh while the Adventure Time theme song played; he sang the last line as he sat up.

He's so adorable.

I smiled at him, "Good afternoon, Sleeping Beauty," I chuckled a bit.

He smiled, "How long have I been asleep?"

I looked at the time, "About two or three hours, I'm too lazy to do the exact math."

"Sounds legit," he laughed and stretched, "Were you going to let me sleep all day?"

"No, I was going to let you sleep until lunch. I figured you'd want to eat. Shiro's at the grocery store now so we can eat when he gets back."

He nodded slightly, "Okay... That sounds good."

"We can keep watching TV until then if you want. Or not. It's up to you," I shrugged a bit and grabbed the remote.

He thought for a moment, "Can we go for a walk? That sounds fun."

I turned to TV off with a nod, "Yeah, whatever you want," I stood up, "We can walk to the park, maybe?"

He shook his head as he stood up too, "I know somewhere better," he walked over to the front door and started to put his shoes on.

I grabbed both of our phones. "You forgot your phone, silly." I chuckled, his phone lighting up as I grabbed it. I couldn't help but notice the notification on his lock screen.

Lotor: you think you can get over me by hooking up with that shrimpy orphan? pathetic. only a trashy emo fuck would want your fat ass now so i guess you had to drop your standards. trash works best with trash. i couldn't get rid of you fast enough

"Just leave it on the table, I'm not bringing my phone," Lance called back to me.

"Uh... Okay... It's dying anyway, I'll put it on the charger in the kitchen so it'll be good when we get back," I started for the kitchen with his phone as I heard him say 'okay'. I quickly opened the phone, sent a pic of that text to myself, then deleted all evidence of it. That kind of abusive text needed to be documented, but Lance didn't need to see that right now. I deleted the text so he wouldn't know.

"Hurry up!" Lance whined from the front of the house.

"U-Uh, I'm coming," I quickly plugged it in and walked to the front, "I'm bringing my phone just in case."

He nodded, "Sounds good. I just don't like taking my phone where I'm about to take you."

"Sketchy," I laughed as we left the house. I locked the door behind us.

He shrugged and started walking, "Not sketchy, just mysterious. And I like mysteries," he giggled.

"Well, I don't. But I like you, so I guess I'll put up with it," I chuckled and followed him down the street.

"Then don't think of it as a mystery, think of it as a nice surprise," he grabbed my hand and started pulling me along, making me walk faster.

I smiled at him, "Okay, fine. Nice surprises are much better than mysteries. At least I know it'll be nice."

"Or maybe I'm lying to lure you into my death trap," he turned back to look at me with a mischievous smirk.

"And there goes all the reassurance I had," I rolled my eyes, still getting dragged along by him.

He giggled and looked ahead again, "We're almost there, you big baby."

I saw his house come into view. "Are we going to your house?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Nope, we're going a bit further," he pulled me past his house and closer to the bridge that leads out of the neighborhood, which goes over a big creek.

"How far are we going, Lance?" It was getting hard to keep up. He's an athlete, so he has more stamina.

"We're almost there, I promise!" He looked at me with a giggle as we reached the bridge. He finally let my hand go and went to the side of the bridge. I watched as he moved a branch out of the way and started to climb down the hill to the creek.

I groaned and followed after him, "We're going to the creek?"

"Nope!" he waited for me at the bottom of the hill, standing on the rocks on the side of the creek.

"Then where are we going?" I reached the bottom.

"We're going to a place that I've never shown anyone before. A place that no one knows about. A place where we can just escape everything, get away from everyone. We're going to my happy place." He grabbed my hand again and started pulling me down the creek.

I blushed a tiny bit, "You've never shown anyone this place before? Anyone? Ever?"

He nodded, "No one but me knows of this place... Not a single person."

I blushed a tiny bit more, "Why show me then?"

He looked at me with a smile and a slight blush of his own, "Because you're different," he looked straight again and kept walking.

I felt my blush get even darker as I followed him along, "How so?"

"I can't really explain how. I just know you feel different than everyone else..." he seemed unsure of what he was saying, "I just haven't met anyone else who feels right to bring here."

"What do you mean by feel?" I tried to get a better look at his face, but he was still in front and looking forward.

He thought before answering, "Well... I guess it can mean a few things.. You make me feel different than everyone else. The kind of energy you put out is different. Think of it as being able to see an aura around someone, I can't do that, but it's the best example I can think of... Everyone's colors show who they are... Lotor's would be black, same with all his friends. My cheer girls are pink. My family is purple, so is Shiro. I'm making up these colors as I go, but what's true is that they all share it. Shiro and my family feel the same. All my cheer girls feel different than my family, but they feel the same as each other... But you..." he stopped walking and looked at me, "I've never seen someone colored like you before. You'd be red. I bright, passion-filled red..."

I thought, trying to understand what he was trying to get across, "And what color are you, Lance? Are you the same color as one of those groups? Or are you different too?"

"You can't see your own aura... Not when you don't know who you truly are," He let my hand go and walked over to the hill again.

I realized we had made it into the woods. "How close are we now? You said we were almost there ten minutes ago."

"Pretty close..." he moved a bunch of vines out of the way to show a ladder on the steepest part of the hill. He started climbing up, "Come on."

I nodded and followed him up. I saw some string tied around nearby trees; almost every tree I saw here had one. "Do the trees show us the way somehow?"

He nodded, "Yup, I'd get lost without them. But there are a lot of wrong strings that go off in other directions to confuse people. I know which ones to follow since I'm the one who put them up. I just don't want anyone getting curious and following the strings."

"Well, they'd have to follow the creek to your sketchy ladder first, so I doubt they'd get this far," I chuckled.

He shrugged, "I made it this far, so what's so surprising about someone else doing it?" he took my hand and started walking again, following the strings.

"Fair enough..." I noticed the strings were a variety of colors. "Which strings do you follow?"

"Here, we follow the blue strings. But up ahead, there's going to be blue and green on the same tree, telling us to start following the green strings now. The blue are going to lead in a different direction after that. The green will switch to yellow, then next will be red. Never follow black strings. Those are useless and just there to throw you off. Especially if you see black with the color you're following. Normally, that means switch colors, but because it's black, you just keep following the first color."

I nodded, "This is intricate, Lance. How long did this take you?"

He shrugged, "I made the actual trail out of the right colors first. Then I started adding fake strings until I ran out of string. I just kept adding to it every day for weeks."

I smiled at him, "It's so amazing..."

He giggled a bit, "I haven't even shown you the best part."

"Well, how far are we now?" I chuckled at how cute he looked.

"We're in yellow now, almost red. Oh, wait. There's the switch. We're in red," he smiled happily, "So close!"

I smiled at him, and he looked happier than I'd ever seen him. It was adorable, "I can't wait to see it."

We reached the end of the strings, and a little cabin came into view. It looked old but had new things. Like new flower pots on the porch with blooming flowers, a repaired porch swing, and a doormat, "Whoa, this is your special place?" I looked over at him.

He nodded with the happiest smile, "I found it when I was 10 after running away from home. I had gotten in a fight with Papa. I found this place and stayed here until I cooled off. I went back home after a few hours. I've been coming back here ever since. I've put 7 years of work into this place. It was completely abandoned when I found it, but now you could live in it. Well, if you can live without electricity and water."

"This is amazing, Lance," I smiled at him, "It's so beautiful here!"

He looked ever happier and pulled me towards the door, "Come inside!" He got the key to the door out from under the flower pot closest to the door, "I have a different key, but I left it at home. I keep this one here just in case."

I could tell the doorknob was newer, and he probably put it in himself. "I can't believe you did this all by yourself."

"You haven't even seen the inside yet," He giggled and opened the door, pulling me inside.

"Oh wow..." I walked in and looked at everything. It was just one room, but it was beautiful. It had a fireplace, couch, table, curtains, several little shelves, and a cabinet. He had decorated it with paintings and posters, putting little trinkets around to make it feel more like home. There were even pictures of his family above his fireplace.

"All the furniture was already here. Luckily, it all had tarps over it, so it wasn't all gross. I keep a sheet over the couch and cleaning supplies in the cabinet to keep it from getting gross. I brought all the blankets and curtains from home. Mama changed the curtains in her and Papa's room, and I brought them here since she was just going to throw them out. All these little things I brought from home or bought specifically for here. I bought a lot of candles for out here, too. There's no electricity out here, so candles are the best way to get light. I also have some battery-powered lanterns and flashlights. But I love scented candles so much that I tend to use those if I'm here when it's dark or have the curtains closed,"  he went and sat down on the couch, "This is like my own little home."

If I had a life like his, I'd want to have a place to escape to, too.

I smiled and sat next to him, "I can see why you'd want to keep this a secret. You've put so much work into this place.. It's your own little world."

He nodded, "I like being out here, away from everyone. That's why I don't bring any tech with me. I'm completely away from the world. I bring books and stuff out here for entertainment, not my phone."

I pulled my phone out of my pocket, "Then I'll turn mine off. After I texted Shiro just in case he gets home before we do," I sent Shiro one quick text before powering my phone off and setting it on the table. "Now we're in our own private world."

He giggled happily, "Just you and me..."

"Just you and me..." I smiled at him softly, "I'm glad you chose me to share this with."

"I'm glad you're not like everyone else..." He leaned back into the couch, still smiling at me.

I leaned back with him, "I don't think you are either.. I think your color is different too... If I'm a bright, passion-filled red... Then you're a cool, soothing blue... A soft blue that just puts you at ease and makes it seem like all your problems have melted away."

"Your red isn't bright in a way that it hurts your eyes. It's bright in a way that makes it hard to look away because it stands out so much.. The passion doesn't scare you; it's comforting. It's the kind of passion that lets you know that they're never going to stop fighting for what they believe is right... It makes you feel safe.. Because you know they'll always fight for you.. Even when no one else will... Or when others want to but can't."

He broke eye contact for the first time and looked down, a blush forming on his cheeks, "Your red doesn't make the problems melt away, your red makes you feel like you can stop worrying about the problems. They're still there, but you don't mind because you know you'll be taken care of... And that's all that matters... You know you'll be okay..."

I blushed and looked down too, reaching over and holding his hand, "I promise I will always fight for you. I'll always take care of you... You're too special to let anything happen to you... I will always be there for you. Always."

He looked at our hands, a smile tugging at his lips, "Thank you... So much." he scooted over and nuzzled up against me a bit.

I wrapped my arms around him without hesitation, "I'll always be here... Because I want to be... So, you don't have to thank me..."

"But I want to.. You've already done so much for me in the short time we've known each other.."

I rubbed his back softly, "Because I know it's right.. And you said it yourself, I'll never stop fighting for what I know is right."

He giggled a bit, "Your hugs feel warm."

I smiled and pulled him closer, "Then I'll hug you whenever you're cold."

"What if I'm always cold...?"

"Then I'll always be here to warm you up.. Always and forever.. Here in our own little world. Just you and me."

"Just you and me.."

Chapter Text

>>LANCE<<

"We should probably start heading back. Shiro might start to worry," I stood off the couch and blew out the candle I had lit earlier.

Keith nodded and stood as well, "Yeah, we've been here for a while," he grabbed his phone and powered it on.

I walked out of the cabin, him following me. I locked it up before hiding the key again, "You can come here without me anytime you like. This is our world now, not just mine," I turned to look at him.

He smiled at me, "Thank you." His phone finally finished starting up, and he looked down at it, "Yeah, we've been here for 40 minutes, and now I have a text and a few missed calls from Shiro. He says to come home as soon as I see this..." He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, "Maybe something happened..."

I frowned and looked down, "Maybe someone..."

Keith sighed and reached over to hold my hand, "Let's just get back home."

"Okay.." I nodded.

We started to walk back, following the strings to the creek, then following the creek to the bridge. Keith knew the way from here, so he sorta led the way after that.

He looked back at me after a few minutes, "Hey, are you okay?"

I nodded, "I just hate coming back from the cabin. There aren't any people like Lotor in our world. But there are in this one..."

He sighed and stopped walking, turning to face me, "I won't let him touch you, understand? I won't let him so much as lay a finger on you. Not while I'm here. If I catch him trying, I will make him pay. You're safe with me. I promise."

I looked down but nodded, "Okay..."

"Lance..." he cupped my cheeks and made me look up again, "I've got you. I promise. I'm here for you, now and forever." He let my face go and hugged me.

I hugged back tightly, "Thank you.."

He kept hugging me, "You're welcome... Now, let's get going." He stopped hugging me but kept one arm around me as we kept walking.

We didn't get very far before Shiro's car pulled up beside us. "There you two are! Get in!" he didn't seem angry, just worried.

We both got in the back seat of the car, Keith holding my hand now. "What's going on, Shiro?" Keith asked.

Shiro sighed and started driving, "Well... Veronica called me earlier, saying Lotor had shown up and wouldn't leave. I went over to scare him away again. But when he left, he said something that made us worry that he had kidnapped Lance or something equally bad... We were worried sick about you two. But you guys seem to be fine, so I guess he was just bluffing," he sighed.

I frowned, "We haven't even seen Lotor. Me and Keith have been hanging out alone."

Shiro nodded, "You should call your sister and tell her that. She's worried sick."

"I didn't bring my phone."

Shiro grabbed his out of the cup holder and handed it to me, "Her number is programmed into my phone."

I took it and found her number in his recently called list. I quickly called her.

"Have you found him?!" Veronica shouted as she answered the phone.

"Veronica, calm down. It's me. I don't have my phone on me, so I'm using Shiro's." I sighed and leaned against Keith. He let my hand go and put his arm around my waist.

"Oh, thank god! Are you okay?! What happened?!"

"Nothing happened, I'm fine. Lotor was lying. I've been with Keith ever since I left. He hasn't left my side once. We've just been hanging out. I didn't have my phone, and his was turned off, so we had no idea what was going on."

She sighed in relief, "Okay, that's good. He said that we'd never get you back again. We had no idea what that meant. He just showed up here and sat in our driveway; he didn't even knock to ask for you. Then, when Shiro made him leave, he said that... We thought he might have hurt you and Keith."

"We're both fine. I took him to my special place, and you know I don't bring my phone there."

"Right.. Still... It's not safe to go out there without your phone now, especially because you haven't told anyone where it is."

"Keith knows now, so that's someone."

"Just please bring your phone next time, Lance.. It's safer. Put it on Do Not Disturb and have it set so only calls from certain people come through, that way you can have your peace, but we can still contact you if we need to."

"Okay, I will. I promise."

"Good, I love you."

"I love you too."

We hung up, and I gave Shiro his phone back. We were already back at their house. We all went inside, Keith holding my hand again. Shiro made sure the door was locked before looking at us.

"It'd be best if you two stayed inside for the rest of the day.. It's safer that way," he sighed.

Keith nodded, "Okay, I'm hungry anyway." He started to walk to the kitchen, and I followed behind him.

>>KEITH<<

I watched as Lance went to check his phone before I got a drink out of the fridge. "What do you want to eat?" I asked, but got no answer, "Lance?" I looked back at him.

He was looking at his phone, an upset look on his face. "Sorry. What did you say?" he looked up at me.

I closed the fridge. "Are you okay?"

He nodded and set his phone down, "Yeah, I was just reading my texts. Mostly worried texts from my sister."

"What were the others?" I raised my eyebrow.

"Nothing important..." he shrugged and walked over, "What are we gonna eat?"

I sighed, deciding to drop the subject for now, "Whatever you want. Take a look at our options." I opened the fridge again so he could look inside.

He nodded and looked. We ended up deciding to make some chicken nuggets. I made him sit down while I made them. He went to look at his phone again as I did. It wasn't long before I was able to put the tray in the oven and start the timer.

"So, are you sure those texts were nothing important?" I asked as I closed the oven door.

He nodded, "Yeah. Why are you asking again?" he set his phone down and looked at me.

"Because you look upset over it," I turned to look at him, "Was it him?"

He tensed up slightly and looked down, "Maybe.." he shrugged.

I walked over to him and sat next to him, "Can I see?"

He hesitated before pushing his phone closer to me.

I sighed and took it, opening up the messages from Lotor.

Lotor: nice try thinking you can hide at that emo fucks house. but i know where he lives too. acxa is the one who delivered your pizza the other night

Lotor: and extra cheese pizza? really? what happened to wanting to lose weight? i'd stick with salad if i were you, you need to

I tensed up in anger and set the phone down, taking a deep breath, "He's wrong.. That last text is total bull shit. I understand that you're an athlete and need to stay in shape, but you don't need to lose weight. You're perfect how you are now..." I reached over and held his hand.

It's like Lotor is trying to tear down Lance's self-esteem one brick at a time. But maybe I can build it back up.

He looked at our hands, "You really think so?"

I nodded, "I know so. You look amazing..."

He sighed slightly and kept looking at our hands, "Thank you..."

"Don't thank me, I'm just being honest." I rubbed the back of his hand with my thumb, "But, I think I should show these to Shiro... Especially if he knows where you are now."

He nodded, "Okay..."

"Stay here, I'll be right back," I gave his hand a slight squeeze before getting up and going down to the basement, where Shiro had his workspace.

Shiro works at a laboratory owned by Pidge's family and takes his work home sometimes. Science isn't my thing, so I don't understand anything that he does. I just know he's in line to be Sam's predecessor, the first choice being Matt, of course. But Shiro is second in line since Pidge is still in high school. She'd be ahead of him if it weren't for her age; she'll take his spot when she turns eighteen, and Shiro will be bumped to third in line. Sam wants to keep the lab owned by the family, but Shiro is close enough to them that he's the only non-family member to even be considered in generations. We used to live in the city, close to the lab. We moved here because Shiro wanted me to have a 'calmer school environment', we're only twenty minutes away now, so it's not too far for him.

"Shiro, you busy?" I asked as I reached the bottom of the steps.

He was sitting at his computer, different magnified photos pulled up as he compared them, "Just taking a look at these samples for Matt, but I can take a break, what's up?" he turned to face me, taking his glasses off. He only wore them while working since his vision isn't super bad, yet.

"Lotor found Lance." I showed him Lance's phone.

Shiro put his glasses back on as he read the texts, "Shit... Has he come here?"

I shook my head, "No, but he sent Lance this earlier. I didn't want Lance to see it, so I sent it to myself before deleting it from his phone." I showed him the picture that was on my phone, "He's trying to screw with Lance's head, and he's succeeding."

Shiro sighed and nodded, "I'd say Lance should block him, but this could be good evidence against Lotor if Lance's father chooses to press charges... Just make sure that if he deletes the texts, he sends them to you first."

I nodded, "Okay... I get what you mean."

"I'll tell Veronica about these texts, you just go back upstairs. Get his mind off of it. Try to keep him off his phone, too. Keep him occupied with other things."

"Okay, sounds like a plan," I took the phones back, "Thank you," I started to head back upstairs.

"No problem," he turned back to his work.

I made it back upstairs and closed the door. "I showed it to Shiro; he's going to tell your sister."

Lance nodded, "Okay.." he looked down.

I sighed and walked over to him, "Why don't we play some video games in my room while we eat? Okay? You can pick the game."

He gave a half-hearted nod, "Sounds good."

I sat down next to him, "Ooorr, we can do something else. Whatever you want."

Lance shook his head, "No, games are fine. I'm used to games." he stood up.

"Used to... Oh.." my voice trailed off as I understood what he really meant with that statement, he was used to Lotor toying with him like it was all a silly game to him, "Lance... We seriously can do whatever you wa-"

"It's fine. Let's just play a game. I'll go pick one out while you wait for the food," he cut me off before quickly leaving the room.

I sighed and laid my head on the table, not knowing what to do to make this any better for him. His mood started on a downward spiral the second he saw those texts. It just got worse as our conversation went on.

The timer went off, so I put on the mitt and pulled the chicken nuggets out of the oven. I suddenly came to a realization and nearly dropped the tray.

He's a cutter, Keith, you idiot!

I  quickly set the tray down. I turned the oven off before leaving the room, nearly tripping up the stairs as I tried to move as fast as I could, "Lance!!"

>>LANCE<<

It didn't take much to be able to slip away from Keith and upstairs, where I'd be alone. His mind was so focused on other things that he didn't even realize what I was about to do. I was grateful for that.

I was able to quickly slip into his room, get my kit out of my bag, and slip off to the bathroom. I locked the door before opening the kit. Inside, there were two blades, bandages, antibiotic ointment, and wet towelettes. I carried this with me most places.

When I get the urge to cut, it's hard to fight it. And once I give in, I'll find a way to do it no matter what. I cut with a broken CD case when I was 15 and a staple when I was 16. At least with my kit, I can take proper care of it after. And I know the blades are clean. I clean them after every use.

I quickly pulled off the shirt I was wearing and took off the bandages I had on from last time. Those cuts were looking much better.

Then I made the mistake of glancing at my reflection, and I couldn't seem to look away. I hadn't realized I was crying until I saw my puffy eyes and wet cheeks.

"Lance!!" I heard Keith shouting, along with a couple of bangs. The sounds somewhat snapped me out of my trance, and my gaze shifted to the bathroom door. "Lance, are you in there?!" he knocked on the door and tried the doorknob. "Why is this locked?!"

"I-I'm fine!" The sound of my own voice surprised me; it was weak and full of pain.

"You do not sound fine! Open the door, Lance! Please!" I had never heard Keith so worried before.

"I-I'll be okay.. Just need a m-minute.." The words rolled off my tongue so easily, though it didn't feel like I was saying them.

I reached forward, seeing the movement but not feeling myself do it. I grabbed the blade in my hand and looked at my scarred arm.

"Like hell!! I am not letting you hurt yourself!" He was yelling, but he didn't sound angry. Well, he did. But the anger seemed more directed at himself than at me. The worry and pain in his voice were clear, too, and that was directed towards me for sure.

I could hear myself crying, but I didn't feel it. I held the blade to my arm. But I didn't cut.

What am I waiting for?

I heard another voice from the hall, undoubtedly Shiro. I could hear my breathing pick up. It had been so long since I had a panic attack, but here I was having one.

I heard more noises in the hall, but it got hard to distinguish what was vocals and what wasn't.

I stared at the blade, my arm. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Not now.

I would break Keith's heart.

The sounds got louder, at least I think they did. Then the door opened, and familiar arms wrapped around me.

It all sorta blurs together after that.

>>KEITH<<

"I got the key!" Shiro ran back over to the bathroom, where I had stayed this whole time.

I didn't even try to fight the tears that were spilling from my eyes, "Open it!!"

Shiro quickly unlocked the bathroom door, and we both rushed in. Lance stood there still as if he didn't even notice our entrance. He was sobbing as he held up the blade. He hadn't cut yet, thank god. But he was about to.

I immediately lunged forward and wrapped my arms around him, making sure he couldn't harm himself.

Shiro quickly took the blade and set it aside.

Lance didn't protest physically. But he did continue to sob, his breathing fast

I looked at Shiro with wide eyes, "Shiro.."

Shiro gave me a reassuring glance, "He's just having a panic attack, he'll be fine. He just needs to calm down."

"Why do you sound happy right now?!" I snapped as I kept crying, now just hugging Lance close and caressing the side of his head in an effort to soothe him.

"Because, Keith, this could've been very much worse. He had no intentions of causing himself severe harm. He planned on cleaning himself up after, having all the necessary things out and ready. I'm happy because he came in here to cut himself instead of coming in here to kill himself."

I let that sink in before nodding, "I suppose that's true."

Shiro sighed, "Take him to your room and lay him down. Just turn on a movie and lie with him until he's calm. I'm going to call his sister; you just watch him."

I nodded, "Yeah, sounds like a good idea..." I moved one arm to be around Lance's waist, "Come on, buddy... I've got you..." I started walking out of the bathroom and towards my room. He walked with me without protest, his breathing slowed, but he was still crying.

I led him to my bed and sat him down. I stepped away from him to grab my old black hoodie out of my closet. I always wore it when I felt upset because it was super baggy and felt like a big hug. It should even be a bit too big on Lance. It belonged to my bio dad; it was the last thing I had left of him. I walked back to Lance and slowly helped him put it on.

I sat on the bed next to him before lying back and pulling him to lie with me. He did so without a single protest. He nuzzled up against me. I smiled and pulled the blanket over him slowly. Then I grabbed the TV remote from my bedside table and turned on Cartoon Network. A Steven Universe rerun was playing, so I left it on.

I didn't even bother trying to pay attention to the TV; I just watched Lance. He was calm now, gripping onto me as if his life depended on it. But a tear would still fall every so often. It wasn't long before his eyes began to close.

He's my Sleeping Beauty, but I'm by no means a prince. But I won't stop trying to be good enough for him. More than good enough.

After Lance was sound asleep, I realized how creepy it was that I was just staring at him, so I turned back to the TV. I tried my best to pay attention and push the negative thoughts out of my mind. I tried to stop thinking about how much I wanted to beat Lotor into the ground. I tried to stop thinking of what would've happened if I hadn't gotten into the bathroom in time. I tried to stop thinking.

It wasn't easy.

Chapter Text

>>LANCE<<

I woke up in Keith's bed, I quickly sat up.

Oh my god, I almost cut myself in Keith's house. He must think I'm crazy. Oh my god. How did it end? I don't even remember. Oh fuck.

I looked around and saw that Keith wasn't in the room. I got up and walked downstairs. He was talking to Shiro in the kitchen. I stayed in the hall and listened in.

"I don't know what to do, Shiro."

"You don't have to do anything. Just let us handle it. You don't have to carry this. I'll make sure he gets help. I've been texting Veronica ever since he fell asleep. She's researching therapists who might take him on pro bono. His insurance only covers 8 visits, which is bull in my opinion. But we'll get him in either way."

Keith sighed, "Okay... I just want to help him."

"I know. But you can't just whip out a magic wand and make him mentally stable. Just be his friend, be there for him. It sounds like all he has is his family and the cheer squad. And we don't even know if he's close to those girls; they may just be acquaintances. He might feel alone. The best thing you can do for him is be a good friend. And maybe keep an eye on him at school, make sure Lotor stays away from him."

The girls are my best friends, I'm not alone. And what does 'acquaintances' even mean?

"Yeah, I can do that. I can try at least. Lotor could totally kick my ass."

"Well, try not to get beaten up."

"Pidge said he'd kick my ass for even just looking at Lance. So I'm pretty sure I'm already on his hit list."

Shiro sighed, "It's going to be okay. We're going to figure it out. At least Lance isn't full-on suicidal. We can manage this."

Shows how little you know

"I think he might be. He told me sometimes he just wants to die. He just hasn't acted on those thoughts. But he might."

He actually pays attention to the little things I say; no one else does that.

"We'll get him help, I promise. I've already offered to help pay for therapy if they can't get anyone pro bono. Luckily, if he ends up on antidepressants, his insurance is good enough that the co-pay shouldn't be too high."

"Antidepressants help with depression that's caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. He's just been through hell and back."

"Traumatic experiences can cause imbalance. So he probably has one even if he wasn't born with one. And maybe he does have one from genetics. You never know."

They do think I'm crazy.

"I wonder how he'll react when he wakes up... After everything that happened today."

Shiro paused, "We just have to wait and see," I could hear him standing up, so I went back up the stairs a bit, "I'm going to get started on dinner. He'll probably be starving. Any requests?"

"No. Just make whatever you want. I've noticed Lance tends to eat healthy foods. But they may be due to the fact that Lotor told him he needed to."

I do need to.

"God, that child is a menace. I want to kick his ass. But I'd rather not go to jail."

"Make something fatty. It'll show Lance we don't agree with Lotor."

"Do you think he'll eat it though?"

"He ate pizza last night."

"Yeah, but that might be a reason for him not to eat it tonight. He probably won't eat that stuff two nights in a row."

"You're probably right," Keith groaned, "Goddamn. Picking out something to make for dinner shouldn't be this hard."

They definitely think I'm crazy.

Shiro sighed, "I'll find a middle ground. Something he'll still eat."

I walked the rest of the way down the stairs and into the kitchen.

Keith had his head on the table but quickly sat up when he heard me come in the room, "Lance, you're awake." He was clearly worried I had heard them talking.

I pretended I didn't, "Yeah.. I'm sorry about earlier..." I looked down.

Shiro sighed, walking over and putting his hand on my shoulder, "It's nothing to be sorry for. You were distraught, and that's how you cope. It's not a good way to cope, and I really hope you stop doing it. But you don't have to be sorry."

I looked up at him, "You guys probably think I'm crazy."

Shiro shook his head, "You have a mental illness. You're not crazy."

They think I'm sick, not crazy. I think that's better...

I felt myself tearing up and hugged him.

Shiro hugged back, "You can cry, Lance. It's nothing to feel bad about."

I only lasted another few moments before I burst into tears, gripping onto the back of his shirt.

Shiro sighed, holding me close, "You're okay. This is a safe place."

I feel safer here than anywhere else.

I nodded, crying into his chest for a few minutes before pulling away.

Keith walked over and grabbed my hand, "Let's go to the living room. Shiro is going to make dinner."

I nodded, letting him pull me along. We sat on the couch together, "I'm not really hungry..."

I feel like if I try to eat, I'll just throw it up.

Keith was still holding my hand, "Lance, you have to eat. You missed lunch. All you've eaten all day is one pancake and a small bowl of assorted fruit. Your body can't live off that."

"I just feel nauseous.."

Keith sighed, "Then only eat a little. But you have to eat something."

I nodded, "Okay, I'll try."

Keith smiled at me, "Thank you... How are you feeling? I'm sure this probably was one of the hardest days in your life."

Not in a long shot.

I looked down, "I don't feel that bad anymore now that I've slept a bit... I haven't had a panic attack like that in a year, so that was weird." I fidgeted with a loose string on the hoodie I was wearing.

When did I put on a hoodie? This isn't even mine. It's big, it can't be Keith's. Maybe Shiro's?

I looked up at him, "Did you put this on me when I was asleep?"

He shrugged, "Sort of. You weren't asleep yet, but you fell asleep ten minutes later. You were still crying your eyes out."

"Oh," I looked down again, "I feel... I don't know. I can't find the right word."

He put his hand that wasn't holding mine on my knee, "Then don't. Let's just watch TV, get your mind off things. You deserve a distraction."

I nodded, leaning back on the couch, "You pick."

He moved his hand off my knee and grabbed the remote. Then he got a text, he let my hand go and pulled out his phone from his pocket and read, then shouted, "Shiro, check your fucking phone!"

"Watch your language!"

"I'm only quoting the text your boyfriend just sent me: 'tell your father to check his fucking phone'."

"Shit," Shiro mumbled

Keith chuckled, "I heard that."

I smiled, "Shiro has a boyfriend?"

He nodded, setting his phone aside, "Yeah, his name is Adam. They met at work years ago," Keith leaned in to whisper in my ear. I tensed up a bit, I don't know why, "Adam is going to propose to him soon." Then he did the zipper motion over his mouth, and I did it back.

"He calls Shiro your dad?"

He leaned back with me, looking at the TV while he picked something to watch, "Yeah, everyone does. We only put 'foster' in front of it when we're talking to someone who doesn't know our situation yet. I mean, he's obviously not my bio dad. He's only twenty-five."

I nodded, "What's that like?"

He shrugged, "It's more like having a brother, honestly. We can both agree on that. But he's still my dad, he's still in charge, and all that. He gets on me when I say bad curse words. He's fine with ass, damn, and small ones like that. But he doesn't like it when I say fuck, shit, or bitch. He still grounds me sometimes."

I chuckled, "Veronica grounds me too. A lot of older siblings who have to raise their younger siblings do."

He looked at me, "Veronica raises you? What about your dad?"

I looked down, "Mama's medical bills are expensive. Papa works 5 am to 9 pm, 7 days a week. That's why Veronica came home from her dorm at college. So she could take care of me and the twins when Mama got sick. I was still 15, and they knew I couldn't take care of myself, the twins, and Mama alone. Once Papa gets home at 9, Veronica goes to UCBA to take night classes. She doesn't get to sleep much. Papa is supposed to take care of the twins while Veronica is at work, but he always falls asleep, so I end up doing it. I only see Papa for an hour every day; he goes to bed at 10. And even then, I sometimes don't get to see him because of cheer. He used to come to all my games and competitions, but he can't anymore. Long story short, Veronica raises us because Mama and Papa can't. And now that I'm older, I help raise the twins too."

He sighed, "That sounds really horrible, Lance. I'm sorry."

I shrugged and looked back up, "It's whatever. I've gotten used to it."

He reached over to hold my hand again, "You shouldn't have had to."

I smiled, "Well, if Mama gets better, then Veronica will go back to live on campus as a full-time student and Papa won't have to work as much. It'll all be good again."

He smiled back, but he still looked sad. He rubbed the back of my hand with his thumb, "I really hope she does get better."

I looked at our hands.

He noticed me looking and blushed a bit, "This is okay, right?"

I nodded, "Yeah, it's more than okay."

He makes me feel safe.

He smiled, "Okay..." He looked back at the TV, finally picking out something to watch, "Is The Dragon Prince okay?"

I nodded, "You watch a lot of cartoons."

"Is that weird?"

I shook my head, "No. I don't watch TV much, but when I watch the twins, they want to watch cartoons. Some of them are really good. Their favorite is Adventure Time."

He chuckled, "So that's why you know the theme song."

"I bet you know it too." I smiled at him.

He smiled back, "Adventure time, come on and grab your friends. We'll go to very distant lands. With Jake the Dog and Finn the Human. The fun will never end, it's adventure time."

I clapped a bit, "Brava."

He laughed, "Let's just watch the show." He pushed play, and the opening to the first episode of The Dragon Prince started.

I had never seen this show. I got comfortable on the couch and leaned my head on his shoulder.

He hesitated before putting his arm around my shoulder. He was tense.

Why is he so nervous about it? It's no big deal. The girls and I do this all the time. Maybe it's not that normal for male friends... I don't have any of those but him. Maybe I'm being weird.

I sat up, "I'm going to go to the bathroom."

He looked sad. "Okay."

Why is he sad?

I nodded, then walked up to the bathroom.

That boy makes no sense to me.

>>KEITH<<

Group Chat: die

Keith: i think i weirded lance out

Hunk: how so?

Keith: he leaned against me on the couch. i put my arm around him. i thought it was the right thing to do. we had sat like that before. but then he suddenly sat up and said he had to go to the bathroom.

Pidge: you were cuddling a cheerleader omfg

Keith: emphasis on past tense. earlier he was fine with it. this time it seemed like he was initiating it but then just yeeted the fuck up outta here when i put my arm around him

Hunk: maybe he's just not feeling it right now. he's probably got the mind of the girl from hanging out with no one but girls all the time. and girls are fucking crazy.

Pidge: i'm a girl

Hunk: you don't count

Keith: i just really hope it wasn't anything i did

Pidge: what were you guys doing before that

Keith: we were just talking. normal stuff. nothing that would upset him

Keith: actually one thing might have upset him. but it's his personal business so i can't tell you

Hunk: you've been his friend for 2 days and you already have so many secrets

Keith: he had no one else to talk to it about. he didn't want his family to know at all. he never told his squad. he didn't tell me at first but i accidentally backed him into a corner. he was obviously lying and i kept pointing out why all his lies were bullshit. i guess he felt he had no other choice but to tell me. and it's good he did. he needed to tell an adult. it's something serious

Pidge: so that bad thing that happened was what he told you?

Keith: yes. thank god he confided in me. he's really not okay. he needs help.

Hunk: can't you give us a hint to what it is?

Keith: i can't say anything else

I put my phone back in my pocket as Lance came back into the room, "Hey."

Lance looked a bit upset, "Shiro told me to get you when I passed the kitchen. Dinner is ready."

I stood up, "Okay... You don't look too good."

"Am I meant to after a day like this?"

I sighed, "I suppose not."

"Is 'suppose' like 'guess'?"

I forgot his vocabulary is shit. I can't use big or lesser-used words with him. It makes sense he might be a bit confused if he hadn't heard it as often.

I smiled, "Yeah, you're right."

Lance smiled a bit, "I read it in a book and I thought that's what it meant, but I was too embarrassed to ask."

Embarrassed. Big word, but a very common word. God, it's going to take forever to figure out what words I can and can't use.

I held his hand, "You never have to be embarrassed to ask me."

Lance smiled more, "Let's go eat." He pulled me along beside him.

Shiro was setting bowls on the table. Usually, it was fend for yourself around here. He rarely cooked.

"I just made Hamburger Helper. I didn't know what you'd like, Lance."

Lance shrugged, "I'm not picky."

He is. He's just too afraid to sound rude.

I went and sat down at the table, and Lance sat down beside me.

It was quiet as we ate. There were topics Shiro and I desperately wanted to bring up, but we didn't because we knew Lance desperately wanted to avoid them. We knew he needed a break from all the craziness.

But I couldn't help myself.

After Shiro left to go to the bathroom, I spoke up.

"Lance..." I said, watching him finish his food. Shiro didn't fill his bowl up all the way, "Why didn't you tell me earlier... That you were wanting to... You know." I gestured to his arm.

Lance looked down, "I don't know... It just didn't really feel like an option. I've never told anyone. I've just always slipped away and done it. No one has ever tried to stop me like you did. But, to be fair, nobody knew what I was really doing."

I sighed, "If I didn't already know you did this to yourself, I probably would've let you be alone for a while..." I reached over to hold his hand. He always smiled a bit when I did, "I am always an option. Okay? Next time, please tell me. No matter where we are. Call me, text me, pull me out of the classroom if you have to. I'll do anything to help talk you down before you do that to yourself again."

Lance just looked at our hands, "You're the only person who actually pays attention to me. The little things I say. Not even Veronica does that. She's too busy."

"Well, I have nothing else taking up my time. I'm here for you."

Lance was starting to tear up, but he tried to hide it, "I... I think I just want to go to bed early tonight..."

I nodded, "Okay. Go on upstairs. I'll clean up," I let his hand go and stood up, then I stopped, "You promise me you'll be okay alone?"

"I promise..." Lance stood up too, "I just want to sleep."

I sighed, "Okay... I'll be up in a few minutes."

I shouldn't let him go off alone after what happened earlier.

I watched him leave anyway.

I need to show him that I trust him.

I loaded the dishwasher and put the leftovers away before going upstairs. I stayed in the hall and just peeked in. Lance was lying on his stomach on my bed in his pajamas. Pink shorts and a blue shirt that had elbow-length sleeves and lace on the hems. The shorts were a bit too short and the shirt a bit too baggy. He had matched it with pink knee-high socks.

He looked hot as all hell.

But I figured this is how he always dressed. Why would he dress up just for me? I've seen how he dresses at school. He dresses like a cheerleader, obviously; this is just a more casual version of it.

I walked into the room the rest of the way and smiled at him, "Comfortable?"

Lance nodded, his eyes glued to his phone. He wasn't usually so engaged by it. I almost never saw him check it in school, and since he got here, he's only used it to text and watch some YouTube when he couldn't sleep.

I walked up to the bed and sat next to him before poking his cheek, "Earth to Lance."

Lance looked up at me, "Huh? Oh, sorry," He set his phone down and sat up, "Cheer emergency."

"Everything okay?"

Lance nodded, "Yeah. Just Nyma being a puta again."

"Puta?" It sounded Spanish, but I had never heard it before.

Lance giggled, lying on his back now, "She's being a bitch. She's one of my girls, but all the other girls are trying to get me to kick her off the squad. Especially Romelle. They hate each other. They're both too outspoken. It's like clash of the titans. But at least Romelle is nice. Mischievous, yes. But she's not rude like Nyma."

Mischievous. Big and uncommon. Jeez, I guess this is going to be hit or miss. There's no way to predict what words he will or won't know.

"Then why haven't you kicked her off the squad?"

Lance sighed, "I don't know. I just feel bad about it. The girls are like a second family to me. You can't just kick someone out of your family."

I shrugged, "Technically, you can. Disownment is a thing. Disown her, kick her out. It sounds like no one is happy with her on the squad."

Lance pouted before grabbing a pillow and covering his face with it.

I sighed, pulling the pillow away, "Worry about it tomorrow. Just get some sleep."

Lance nodded, sitting so he could get off the blankets before getting under them and lying down again.

I smiled at him, "Sleep. I'll be back in a bit. It's still early, I'm not tired yet."

Lance yawned, "Okay. Goodnight." He pulled to covers up to his chin and curled up.

God, I want to kiss him.

But I didn't. I just stood up and left the room.

He doesn't like me like that.

Chapter Text

>>LANCE<<

I woke up in Keith's arms again. I was starting to get used to him holding me, even though it had only been two days. He had his arms wrapped around my waist, and I was curled up against his chest. I know we didn't do this intentionally since he wasn't here when I went to sleep. But I wasn't going to protest. His holding me felt safe.

But I really had to pee.

So I carefully moved his arms off of me before getting out of bed. Once up, I went to the bathroom. When I left the bathroom, I saw the kitchen light was on. I could see it from the top of the stairs. I walked downstairs and saw Shiro starting up the coffee maker. "Good morning."

Shiro smiled at me, "Good morning. You're up early. It's 5:30."

I shrugged and went to sit at the table. "I went to bed early. I think it was 8. I wasn't really paying attention. Why are you awake?"

Shiro sighed, sitting down at the table too as the coffee started going, "Work emergency. I'm not supposed to work weekends, but they need me to come in today. I told them I would. They said to come in as soon as I could, but didn't say exactly when. So I'm taking my time with my coffee."

I smiled, "At least they're flexible."

Shiro nodded, "Yeah. Do you have a job?"

I shook my head, "No. My schedule is too packed. Well, now that I'm not with Lotor, I won't have him and his friends making me go places with them all the time. I'll have way more free time. I might be able to get a job. But my cheer schedule is unpredictable, so maybe not. Veronica told me to just not worry about it and focus on my cheerleading. Scouts are coming to nationals. I could get recruited to cheer on a college team. I could get a scholarship."

"I didn't realize they gave sports scholarships to cheerleaders."

"Well, that's because most people don't consider it a real sport, so the thought of getting a sports scholarship for it wouldn't even cross their minds," I shrugged, "I think I've got a pretty good shot. This is the reason I quit gymnastics in freshman year. I heard about the scholarships and decided to put all my effort into that."

Shiro smiled, "Good planning ahead. I bet it'll be fun getting a scholarship for something you love. Keith is getting a full ride because he was a foster kid. The state pays for foster kids to go to college, as long as it's a community college. He doesn't really have big goals, so going to community college is no problem for him. He has no goals at all, really. But I made him apply to a lot of local colleges anyway. He just put undecided for his major. What about you?"

"I've applied to a lot of places, too. I don't know what I'll go for, though. I don't really have any goals either. My whole life revolves around cheer."

"You could always get a temporary job and go after becoming a gymnast if you want to get back into it. It is a professional sport. But definitely get a degree as a backup plan just in case."

I smiled, "I never really thought of that option."

"Oh, I forgot," Shiro stood and walked to the fridge. He pulled out the coffee I told him I liked, "I got a couple of these for you."

I smiled even more as he handed it to me, "Thank you. You didn't have to do that."

Shiro went to the coffee maker to pour himself a cup, "I wanted to. I want you to feel at home here."

I opened up the bottle and took a drink, "I can't believe you remembered which one I like."

"I told you I was going to try to get them for you whenever you spend the night," He started stirring cream and sugar into his coffee, "I made a mental note. Mocha Starbucks frappuccino."

I just couldn't stop smiling, "You and Keith are the only ones who ever pay attention to me."

Shiro came back to the table with his coffee and sat down. "Veronica wants to pay attention to you. She really does."

"The twins need more attention. I get it. I'm not upset about it," I shrugged, "But it is nice to be noticed for once... To not be a second priority. More like a fourth or fifth priority, really...  But I'm 17 now, they know I can take care of myself."

Shiro sighed, "I really do want you to feel at home here, Lance. You're welcome here any time. You boys will always be my first priority."

I looked down, still smiling, "You're really nice."

Shiro chuckled, "I try to be."

I'm happy Keith has him.

I took another drink from my coffee, and he was doing the same. I looked up, "What made you want to take Keith in?"

"Well, his old school did a field trip to the lab I work at. He was fifteen, almost sixteen. He was not the same kid he is now. His teacher was keeping an eye on him the whole time. She told me he was a 'discipline case'. At one point, she had to go off to watch over another student. She told me to keep a close eye on him so he wouldn't cause any trouble. I decided to talk to him. I could tell he wasn't a bad kid. I think he was acting out because no one was paying attention to him. I knew for a fact no one was taking care of him. You could tell just by looking at his clothes. His shirt had holes in the collar. I found out he was a foster kid; the other kids were making fun of him and mentioned it in one of their insults. They said he's so pathetic that not even his parents loved him. After that field trip, I couldn't get him out of my head. This poor kid was having to fend for himself in a home where no one was looking after him. I just couldn't sleep at night knowing that. I ended up getting a foster license. It took a little under 4 months. But it was worth it. I was able to become his foster dad. It took him a bit to adjust. He wasn't used to being watched after and cared for; in his previous home, he was being severely neglected. He was with me for over a year when I started thinking about actually adopting him, but it was too late at that point. He was too close to turning eighteen. But it's okay, we don't need a piece of paper to prove we're family. He's changed so much since I took him in. He's stopped acting out, and he's focused more on school. But he was still being bullied constantly. That's why we moved here two months ago. He wanted to stay. But I couldn't keep watching that happen to him."

I frowned, "He's still being bullied. And I just found out my boyfriend was the one doing it."

Shiro sighed, "Your ex-boyfriend."

I nodded, "Right. Ex."

"He bullied you more than anyone."

I looked down, "Yeah... He did."

Shiro reached over and held my hand, "If you ever don't feel safe because of him, because of anything, actually, I want you to know you can call me or Keith and we'll come to get you in a heartbeat. I know he'll have the easiest access to you at school. Keith has already said he'd look out for you."

"Part of me wants to tell you not to worry about it because I can take care of myself. But the other part of me knows that when the time comes, I would just let him walk over me again."

"We're here for you. I've been spending a lot of time talking to your sister. I'm going to make sure they're able to get you the help you need."

I looked up at him, "You don't have to do so much for me."

Shiro smiled at me, "I want to."

I smiled back, "Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me."

He and Keith are a lot alike; I see why they get along so well.

I nodded before finishing my coffee, "I think I'm going to watch TV while I wait for Keith to wake up."

"Don't you want anything to eat?" Shiro drank more of his coffee.

I shook my head, "No, I'm good. Thank you though."

Shiro sighed a bit, "Okay. Go ahead and watch TV. We have cereal in the pantry if you change your mind."

"Thank you." I stood up and went back up to Keith's room to grab my phone, then went back down and sat on the couch. I had a couple texts.

Shay: just checking in sweetheart. lunch was crazy the other day. want to make sure you're okay. we're all worried

Allura: Nyma is still causing a fuss. I know you read my texts earlier. Text me back.

Nyma: tell romelle to calm her fucking shit jfc

They were all from last night after I fell asleep. I sighed and just set my phone aside, deciding to text them back later.

I turned on the TV and decided to watch Bring It On on Netflix. Shiro came to check on me before he left for work, and he tried to get me to eat again. I said no again. I could tell that upset him a bit. But I wasn't going to let myself eat if I had the choice. I need to keep up my diet, and they've been making me so many fatty foods. I have no idea how they stay so skinny and fit. They probably work out.

Keith woke up around 7:30 and came downstairs, "There you are. How long have you been awake?" He sat down on the couch next to me.

I shrugged, still looking at the TV, "A little under two hours. I've just been watching Bring It On. There are only five minutes left."

Keith nodded, "Is Shiro still asleep?"

"Nope, he left for work over an hour ago. He said there was some kind of emergency. He didn't seem like he was in a rush, though, so it couldn't have been too bad."

"Sorry you've been alone all morning." Keith sighed.

I looked at him, "It's not a big deal, I went to bed early. Of course, I was going to wake up early."

Keith shrugged, "I guess that's a good point."

"Why do you worry about me so much?"

Keith frowned, "I can't help it. After everything you've told me, everything that happened yesterday... I can't help worrying about you constantly."

I reached over to hold his hand, "You don't have to. I'm fine. I don't have a shitty boyfriend holding me down anymore; it'll get better. And next time I want to do... that... I'll tell you, that way I don't end up doing it again."

Keith smiled, but I could tell he was still sad, "You always find a silver lining."

"I try. I'd rather not focus on all the things wrong in my life, which would just make me upset all the time. If I focus on the things in my life that are good, then I can be happy."

"Good. Keep that mindset. I want you to be happy."

It was quiet for a moment, the two of us looking at each other. For a little too long.

"Anyway," I said, letting his hand go, "What do you want to do today?"

Keith sighed a bit, "I don't know. Shiro and Veronica want us to stay inside. For good reason. But there's not really much to do."

I pouted a bit, "Well... Technically, they never told us to stay inside today. They just said we should stay inside for the rest of yesterday. And they didn't even tell us, Shiro just suggested it."

Keith chuckled, "Where do you want to go?"

I thought for a moment, "I really need to get some stuff for the cabin."

"Let's go there then. But first, I need a shower. Do you mind being alone for a bit longer?"

I shook my head, "I don't mind. I should probably shower after you."

Keith nodded, "I'll call for you when I'm done," he stared at me for just a moment before getting up and heading upstairs.

>>KEITH<<

Group Chat: die

Pidge: so still no cheerleader ass?

Keith: shut up about cheerleader ass

Hunk: damn touchy

Keith: he just got dumped. i'm not going for it right now

I shoved my phone into my pocket with a huff, wet hair dripping onto my shoulders. They have no idea what Lance is going through right now. Getting ass is the last thing on my mind.

"Your turn!" I called down the staircase, letting Lance know he could use the bathroom now.

"Okay!" Lance called back up. I heard sounds of movement downstairs before moving to my bedroom.

As I was putting on my jewelry and eyeliner, my phone dinged again.

Unknown: you can't keep him hidden away in your house forever

Great, now Lotor has my number. How did he even get that?

I sighed and put my phone away again. I really had to get Lance to the cabin. It would be safer for him.

I won't let that bastard hurt him. Not while I'm around. 

Chapter Text

>>KEITH<<

Lance swung his shopping bag as he walked beside me, his arm swaying in rhythm with each step. He looked... adorable, the kind of soft, absentminded adorable that made me want to freeze the moment and keep it forever. The bag bumped against his leg, filled with candles, batteries, and bug spray we'd picked up for the cabin.

"I feel powder blue today," Lance said suddenly, his voice lilting into a sing-song tune.

I glanced at him, smiling. "Yeah? That a good thing?"

He nodded firmly, his hair bouncing as he did. "Yeah. Powder blue is good."

I reached over, threading my fingers through his free hand. His palm was warm, slightly damp from the heat, but he didn't pull away. "Good," I murmured. "You deserve to feel good."

He hummed softly as we walked, some tune I didn't recognize, the kind that sounded like it lived only in his head. I didn't ask. I just listened, not wanting to break the fragile peace in his voice.

But the peace was shattered as soon as we reached the cabin.

His humming stopped mid-note, his entire body tensing like a string pulled too tight. I followed his wide-eyed gaze. The flower pot—the one hiding the key—lay on its side, soil spilled like dark blood across the porch boards. The key was gone. And the cabin door... stood wide open.

"Oh no," I breathed, instinctively shifting in front of him. My hand tightened around his, protective. "Lance, stay here. Let me check."

"O-okay..." His voice wavered, his grip on my hand desperate before he forced himself to let go.

I stepped forward, every movement deliberate, pulling my pocket knife free and flicking it open. The cabin creaked under my boots as I slipped inside, heart hammering. One quick sweep of the room confirmed it was empty. Silent. Still. Almost too still.

Everything was exactly where we'd left it. The blankets neatly folded. The candles arranged. The pictures lined up on the mantle. Except... the key. It sat in the center of the coffee table, gleaming in the slanted light. Placed there, deliberate, mocking.

My stomach twisted.

I closed the knife, shoved it away, and snatched up the key before returning outside. "No one's here," I told him. My voice sounded calm, but it felt hollow in my throat.

Lance stood frozen on the porch, his earlier "powder blue" glow drained from his face. "It was him," he whispered, his eyes locked on the overturned pot. "It was Lotor. He was here."

"We don't know that for sure—" I started, but he cut me off.

"Yes, I do!" His voice cracked, raw and shaking. His hands trembled as he balled them into fists. "He did this just to fuck with me!"

I sighed, because deep down, I knew he was right. Nothing was missing, nothing was broken. Lotor hadn't stolen or trashed a thing. He'd just wanted Lance to know: I can get to you. Even here.

I placed my hands firmly on his shoulders, grounding him, steadying him. "I'll lock it up, take the key with us this time, and—"

"Like it matters!" Lance's voice rose, panic sharp at the edges. His eyes glossed with tears. "He knows! He knows this place exists. Nowhere is safe anymore!"

I shook my head and rubbed his shoulder, gentler now. "That isn't true. You're safe as long as you're with me. He won't lay a hand on you again, Lance. Not while I'm here."

His chest hitched with a shallow breath, eyes darting like he couldn't decide whether to cry or scream. "It's no use," he whispered brokenly. "He always gets what he wants. Always."

"No, Lance..." I cupped his shoulder tighter, lowering my voice until it was almost a vow. "Not this time. He broke up with you, and he can't get you back unless you consent to it. That's your choice. Your power. Not his."

Lance's lip trembled. "He scares me..."

"I know," I murmured, pulling him into me, arms wrapping around his shaking frame. "I know."

He buried his face against my neck, hot tears soaking into my skin. His voice cracked as he spoke into me, muffled and small: "He's not going to give up..."

"And neither will I." The words left me like instinct, like truth. My grip around him tightened, steady as steel. "Not ever."

Chapter Text

>>KEITH<<

Back at the house, I guided Lance up to my room in hopes of calming him down. He didn't stop crying the entire walk home; every step felt like his world was crumbling a little more.

"It's gonna be okay," I whispered, easing him to sit down on the bed. His hands trembled as he clutched at the blanket. "The doors are locked. The security system is armed. And I'm right here. No one can reach you right now."

Lance sniffled, nodding, though his watery eyes stayed fixed on the floor. "I'm still scared."

"I know," I murmured, squeezing his hand. "And you have every right to be. But I need you to remember—he's not getting past me. I won't let him touch you. Ever."

Lance's grip tightened on mine, desperate. "Can we lay down? I wanna take a nap."

I softened my voice into something steady, something safe. "Of course. Get cozy—I'll be right behind you."

He curled beneath the blanket, shoulders still trembling. I slid in after him, wrapping an arm around his waist until his shaking slowed, until his breathing evened out.

>>LANCE<<

I don't know how long I slept. Long enough for the nightmares to blur, not long enough for the fear to disappear.

When I finally opened my eyes, the room was filled with warm orange sunlight bleeding through the cracks in Keith's curtains. My head was pillowed on his arm, his chest rising and falling behind me in a rhythm that calmed me without trying.

"Good afternoon, sunshine," Keith teased gently, his voice still low like he was afraid to break something fragile.

I sat up with a small yawn, rubbing my eyes. "How long was I out?"

"Only about an hour and a half," he said, pushing himself upright too. His hair was messy from lying down, but his eyes never left me. "You needed it."

I leaned my head against his shoulder, letting out a breath. "I feel... like two colors at once."

Keith tilted his head, curious. "Yeah? Which ones?"

"Blue and red," I said quietly, fiddling with the edge of my sleeve. "Blue because I feel calm when I'm here with you. Safe. But red because my chest still feels tight... like I'm ready to panic again if something happens."

Keith smiled softly, pink touching his cheeks. "That sounds like purple to me."

"Purple?" I looked up at him.

"Yeah." He hooked his pinky around mine, a quiet promise. "A mix of blue and red. Something steady. Something strong. That's what you are right now. Strong."

I swallowed, tears pricking my eyes again—but this time, they weren't just from fear.

"Strong?" I repeated, not quite believing it.

Keith nodded firmly, squeezing my hand. "Yeah. You're standing up against someone who spent months trying to break you. That's strength, Lance. Even when you're scared, even when you're crying—you're still here. That's purple."

I gave a shaky laugh, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. "I never thought purple could be strong. I always thought of it as kind of... fancy."

Keith smirked a little. "You're fancy too."

I blinked at him. "...What?"

"Fancy," he repeated with a shrug, his cheeks tinting pink. "You know. The way you talk sometimes, the way you move, the way you... exist. You make everything brighter. You're like... glitter."

I stared at him before bursting into a soft laugh. "Keith, you did not just compare me to glitter."

"I did," he said, and though he tried to look serious, the corner of his mouth twitched. "Unstoppable. Impossible to get rid of. Shows up everywhere when you least expect it. Once it's in your life, it never leaves."

My laughter softened into a smile, my heart fluttering in my chest. "That might be the weirdest compliment I've ever gotten."

"Yeah, well," Keith muttered, looking away, "I'm not great at this kind of thing."

"You're better at it than you think."

The room fell into a quiet that wasn't heavy anymore. Afternoon light streamed through the curtains, golden and soft, dust motes dancing in the air like tiny sparks. I leaned back against him, closing my eyes.

"I think I like being purple," I murmured.

Keith rested his chin gently on my hair. "Good. Because I like it too."

The golden light felt good against my skin, warming me where Keith’s arms couldn’t reach. For a few quiet moments, I thought maybe—just maybe—I could stay here forever.

But then my stomach growled. Loudly.

Keith pulled back, smirking. “That’s our cue.”

I rolled my eyes, but smiled. “Betrayed by my own body.”

“Come on,” he said, standing and tugging me up with him. “Let’s get some food in you before Shiro comes home and scolds us for missing breakfast. I'm bad about that.”

I smile softly, letting him pull me downstairs. The kitchen was still bright, the late-afternoon sun streaming through the window over the sink. Keith opened the fridge, humming to himself. “Sandwiches okay?”

“Yeah, sure,” I said automatically, taking a seat at the table. Sandwiches were safe—simple, small. Easy to pick at without drawing too much attention.

Keith set out bread, turkey, cheese, and some sliced tomatoes, working quietly. I folded my hands in my lap, trying not to fidget. My stomach was still twisted—not from hunger, but from the thought of actually eating.

When he slid the plate in front of me, the smell hit first. Sharp mustard, sweet tomato. It wasn’t bad, not at all. But suddenly my throat felt tight. My stomach clenched like it was trying to reject food before I’d even taken a bite.

I forced a smile, picking up the sandwich. “Thanks.”

Keith sat across from me, already halfway through his first bite. “No problem. Easy lunch.”

I took a small nibble off the corner, chewing slowly, too slowly. I could feel his eyes flick toward me, checking, like he always did.

“You’re eating like a bird again,” he said lightly, not mean, just observant.

Heat crawled up my neck. I forced another bite, swallowing it down even though it felt like it stuck in my chest. “I’m not that hungry.”

He frowned. “You said that at dinner last night. And lunch. And breakfast.”

I looked down at the plate, guilt gnawing at me worse than the hunger ever could. “Guess I’m just anxious. It makes me lose my appetite.”

Keith’s frown softened, like he’d solved the puzzle. “Yeah… that makes sense. Anxiety screws with a lot of stuff.” He reached over and squeezed my wrist gently. “Don’t push yourself, okay? Just eat what you can.”

I nodded quickly, grateful he didn’t push harder. I took another tiny bite, just enough to keep up the act. He smiled like that was good enough.

I hated the way it felt—chewing, swallowing, waiting for my stomach to protest. It wasn’t hunger I was fighting. It was the voice in my head whispering that I didn’t need this. That eating now would undo every skipped meal before. That every bite was proof I had no self-control.

So I broke the sandwich down into pieces, small enough to make it look like I was working through it. If I ate slow enough, Keith wouldn’t notice how little I actually got down.

He kept eating, watching me between bites, but not pressing. He must’ve thought I was nervous. That this was about Lotor, or the break-in at the cabin. And maybe that was easier—for both of us.

When he finished his sandwich, he leaned back in his chair, stretching. “See? Not so bad. Food helps, even if it’s just a little.”

I forced a smile, setting down what was left of mine. “Yeah… just a little.”

Keith didn’t push me to finish. He just reached over and ruffled my hair before carrying his plate to the sink.

The relief hit me like a wave, sharp and guilty. I’d gotten away with it again.

And he still thought I was doing okay.

>>KEITH<<

I didn’t call him out for leaving half his sandwich. I told myself it didn’t matter. He ate something, and that was enough for now.

He was anxious—of course he was. After everything with the cabin, who wouldn’t be? Anxiety made people lose their appetite, right? I’d read that somewhere.

So instead of pushing, I carried the plates to the sink and washed mine. When I glanced back at him, he was still sitting at the table, shoulders hunched, like a balloon half-deflated.

“Hey,” I said softly, drying my hands, “let’s not sit here thinking about him. Want to do something fun?”

Lance looked up at me through his lashes. “Like what?”

I shrugged, playing casual. “We could play some Mario Kart. Or watch another movie. Or—” I paused, smirking a little. “—I could let you pick out some terrible music and we’ll have a dance battle in the living room.”

That got a laugh out of him. Quiet, but real. “You’d lose.”

“Not a chance.” I grinned and offered him my hand. “Come on, McClain. Prove it.”

He hesitated, then slid his hand into mine. His grip was still a little shaky, but there was a spark there—like I’d managed to pull him out of the fog, even if just a little.

A few minutes later, we were in the living room with Spotify blasting through Shiro’s speakers. Lance picked some over-the-top pop anthem and immediately threw himself into it with ridiculous spins and hip flicks, like he was performing for a stadium.

I just stood there, shaking my head. “That’s not fair, you’re literally a cheerleader.”

“Excuses, excuses,” he teased, his laugh brighter now. “Your turn.”

I rolled my eyes but tried anyway, stiff and awkward. He doubled over laughing, and honestly, it was worth making a fool out of myself just to hear it.

And for a while, it worked. No tears, no shaking hands, no hollow look in his eyes. Just Lance.

That was all I wanted.

Chapter Text

>>KEITH<<

The house was quiet, the kind of quiet that only settled after Shiro turned in. The hum of the AC, the creak of the old pipes, Lance brushing his teeth in the bathroom across the hall. Little ordinary sounds that were supposed to mean "safe."

I sat on the edge of my bed, scrolling halfheartedly through my phone while waiting for him. My eyes kept flicking to the door though, counting down the seconds until he came back in.

When he did, he padded in barefoot, wearing those pastel pajamas again—the pink shorts and oversized blue shirt. He looked soft, almost fragile in the glow of the bedside lamp.

"You good?" I asked, setting my phone aside.

He nodded, then climbed into bed, pulling the blankets up to his chin. His face was calm at first, but after a minute he let out a shaky breath and whispered, "Keith?"

"Yeah?"

"Tomorrow... at school..." His voice caught. He turned onto his side to face me, eyes glinting in the low light. "He'll be there."

Lotor.

I swallowed, shifting closer. "Yeah. But so will I."

"That doesn't change him." Lance's fingers picked at the edge of the blanket. "He's not just gonna ignore me. He never does."

"He'll have to." My words came out sharper than I meant, but I didn't take them back. "I don't care what it takes—he's not getting near you."

Lance shook his head. "You don't understand. He always finds a way. Even if it's just a look. Or a word. He... he knows how to get in my head." His voice cracked, the edges fraying into fear.

I reached out, gently covering his restless hands with mine. "Then let him try. Because I'll be right there, and he doesn't get to win this time. Not anymore."

Lance stared at me, wide-eyed and vulnerable, as if he wanted to believe it but couldn't quite let himself.

"Keith..." he whispered, almost too soft to hear, "what if you can't stop him?"

I squeezed his hands tighter. "Then I'll try anyway. Every damn time. Until he gives up."

For a long moment, the only sound was Lance's uneven breathing. Then, slowly, he shuffled closer until his forehead pressed against my chest. His voice was muffled when he whispered, "I'm scared of tomorrow."

"I know," I murmured, wrapping an arm around him. "But we'll face it together."

And I held him like that until his breathing steadied, even though I knew sleep would come harder for both of us tonight.

>>LANCE<<

The school parking lot was already buzzing when we got there—doors slamming, voices calling, backpacks swinging. It felt like too much, too loud, like everything was crashing in before I'd even stepped out of the car.

I pulled at the hem of Keith's Panic! at the Disco shirt, the one he let me borrow this morning. It was a little big on me, soft and worn in. It should've been comforting. But with my jeans and sneakers it just felt like borrowed armor that wasn't quite strong enough.

Keith shut his door and slung his bag over one shoulder. "Ready?"

I nodded, though my chest was already tight. As we started toward the entrance, I let out a shaky laugh that wasn't funny. "Keith?"

He glanced down at me, eyebrow raised.

"I feel red today."

His hand brushed mine. "Red like me?"

I shook my head quickly, throat dry. "No. Not your kind of red. Not the... warm, passionate one." My voice dropped to almost a whisper. "This is blaring. Sirens-and-flashing-lights red. Like... warning, danger, run."

I saw his expression shift, something sharp flickering behind his eyes. He understood.

Keith stopped walking, right there in the middle of the sidewalk, and turned toward me. He didn't care about the students swarming around us. He just looked at me with that steady, grounding stare. "Okay. Then we slow down. We breathe. Right here."

"I can't," I whispered, pressing a hand to my chest. "It's too loud. It's all too loud."

"Yes, you can. Look at me, Lance." He reached out, resting his hand on my shoulder, firm but gentle. "Just me. Forget everyone else for a second."

I forced my eyes up to his, and my pulse stumbled.

"Good. Now breathe with me." Keith inhaled deeply, exaggerated enough that I couldn't ignore it. He held it, then let it out slow. "In. Hold. Out."

I tried. My lungs fought against me, but with him counting under his breath, I managed one shaky inhale. Then another. Then another.

The noise of the schoolyard didn't disappear, but it dulled a little. The screaming sirens in my head softened to a distant wail.

"There you go," Keith murmured, close enough that only I could hear him. "That's it. You're okay. I've got you."

I nodded, even though my chest still felt fragile, like glass ready to crack. "What if he's inside?" I asked, voice barely holding steady.

"Then he's inside," Keith said, blunt but sure. "And so are we. Together."

He reached down, threading his fingers through mine right in front of everyone. And for the first time that morning, the red dimmed just enough that I could keep moving.

Keith didn't let go of my hand the whole walk inside. A few people stared—we must've looked strange together, emo boy and cheer boy side by side. But if Keith noticed, he didn't care. His grip never faltered.

The halls were already crowded, lockers slamming, voices bouncing off the walls. My stomach tightened all over again, but Keith's hand kept me tethered.

When we reached my classroom door, he stopped and turned to me. "Alright. First period."

I nodded, though my pulse was still racing. My gaze flicked up and down the hall, expecting to see him—Lotor—step out of nowhere with that smile that always felt like a knife.

Keith squeezed my hand once, pulling me back. "Hey. Look at me."

I did.

"I'll be right here when class ends. We'll walk together, okay?"

Something in my chest loosened, just a little. "Promise?"

He gave me that steady, certain look he always had when he said things he meant with every fiber of his being. "Promise."

The word was heavy. Solid. Something I could actually lean on.

I nodded, though my throat was too tight to say thank you.

Keith finally let my hand go, but only after one last squeeze. He stepped back, walking off toward his own class, but kept glancing over his shoulder until I went inside.

I took my seat, still shaky, but the echo of his hand in mine was enough to hold me upright.

Class started normally enough. Mrs. Kramer dimmed the lights and launched into another PowerPoint about ecosystems. Photosynthesis, nutrient cycles, something about decomposers—I should've been taking notes, but my pen just hovered uselessly over the page.

All I could hear was my own pulse.

I kept glancing at the clock, counting the seconds until the bell would ring and Keith would be back. His promise kept replaying in my head like a song stuck on loop. I'll be right here when class ends.

That thought was the only thing keeping me tethered.

And then—movement.

The door had one of those narrow vertical windows. Just enough to see the blur of students passing by in the hall. Most of them were just flashes of color, indistinct. But one shape slowed. Turned.

My stomach dropped before my brain even caught up.

Lotor.

His pale hair was unmistakable even through the glass. He didn't keep walking. He looked straight into the room. Straight at me.

Our eyes locked.

He smirked.

That was it—just a curl of his lips, small and sharp, like he'd already won something. Like he knew he still lived rent-free in my head.

I froze, every muscle going stiff. My grip on my pen tightened until it almost snapped. The red was back—the screaming, blaring red—and suddenly the air in the room felt too thin.

He moved on, vanishing past the window. Gone in less than three seconds. But the damage was done.

I stared down at my notebook. The lines blurred. Mrs. Kramer's voice was a muffled drone. All I could see was that smirk, carved into my brain.

I tried to copy down a sentence from the slide. My hand shook. The letters came out jagged, messy, not even readable.

My chest hurt. My head hurt. And all I could think was—he's here. He's here, and he knows where I am.

The rest of class passed in a haze. By the time the bell finally rang, I hadn't written more than half a page. And none of it made sense.

But Keith would be waiting. Keith promised.

That thought was the only thing that got me standing, notebook clutched tight against my chest as I hurried for the door.

>>KEITH<<

The bell finally rang, and I was already posted outside Lance's classroom like I said I'd be. Backpack slung over one shoulder, leaning against the wall, trying to look casual. Really, my stomach was tied up in knots. I'd snuck out of English early to make sure I wouldn't be even a second late.

The door opened, students spilling out in a noisy stream. I straightened, scanning every face until I spotted him.

Lance.

At first glance, he looked fine. Shirt neat, notebook clutched against his chest. But the second I caught his eyes, I knew better.

He was pale, his expression tight, and he didn't even notice me until I said his name. "Lance."

He flinched. Just flinched, like he'd been yanked out of some horrible thought. Then he blinked up at me, wide-eyed and shaky, like he couldn't quite focus.

My chest tightened.

"Hey," I said, softer this time. I reached out, steadying a hand on his shoulder. "What happened?"

He shook his head quickly. "N-nothing."

But his voice cracked on the word, and his eyes darted everywhere but mine.

Bullshit.

I stepped a little closer, ignoring the tide of students pushing past us. "Talk to me. Did he—?"

Lance clutched his notebook tighter, fingers white-knuckled around the edge. His throat bobbed as he swallowed, then he whispered so low I almost didn't hear it. "He looked at me."

Just four words. But they explained everything.

I didn't need to ask who.

The noise of the hallway seemed to dull around us. My jaw clenched, heat flashing in my chest. God, if Lotor thought he could just—

I forced myself to breathe. I couldn't let Lance see me angry, not now. He didn't need more sharp edges. He needed calm.

"Okay," I murmured, giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "That's all it was. Just a look. He didn't touch you. He didn't talk to you."

Lance's eyes were still darting, restless, but he gave the smallest nod.

"Come on." I held out my hand—not pushing, just offering. "Next class. Together."

For a second, he hesitated, caught in that red, panicked place he'd described this morning. But then his fingers slipped into mine, shaky but certain enough.

I squeezed back. "See? We've got this."

We started walking, and I matched my steps to his, steady and slow, like maybe if I was calm enough, he'd find a little bit of calm too.

The hallway thinned as we turned the corner toward his next class. Lance's grip on my hand was still tight, fingers trembling like he thought if he let go, the floor would drop out from under him.

I kept my steps even, my breathing steady, every move deliberate. In my head, I imagined the color. Blue. Not my usual red—too sharp, too much fire. Blue was soft. Steady. Calm. The shade I always saw when I thought of him.

If I could make myself blue, maybe he'd feel it. Maybe it would bleed into him like sunlight into water.

"You're doing good," I murmured as we stopped outside his classroom. "Just keep walking with me. Breathe."

Lance gave the smallest nod, his eyes still darting around like he was bracing for Lotor to come tearing around the corner.

I squeezed his hand once, slow, controlled. Blue. "One step at a time."

He let out a shaky breath, almost like a sigh. The panic hadn't left him, not completely, but some of the edges dulled. He didn't notice how hard I was working to hold myself in this shape—slowing down my pulse, softening my voice, forcing all the heat out of me until I felt hollow. He didn't see me clenching my jaw to keep the red from burning through.

And that was fine. He didn't need to notice. He just needed to breathe.

We reached his classroom door. He paused, shoulders still tense, and I leaned down a little so only he could hear me. "I'll be right here when it's over. You walk out those doors, and I'll be waiting."

This time, when he looked at me, his eyes weren't darting. They stayed. Still scared, but steadier than before.

"Okay," he whispered.

Blue. I held onto it like a lifeline and nodded. "Okay."

>>LANCE<<

Keith walked me all the way to the cafeteria, his hand warm and steady against mine until the crowd thickened at the doors. He gave me that look—the one that asked if I wanted him to stay.

"I'm good," I lied with a small smile. "Go eat with your friends. I'll sit with my girls."

He didn't look convinced, but he squeezed my hand once before heading toward Pidge and Hunk. I could feel his eyes on me until I disappeared into the lunch line.

The moment I stepped into the cafeteria proper, my stomach flipped. Lotor was sitting at our old table. His table now, I guess. He was smirking at me like he'd been waiting just to watch me walk in.

I clenched my jaw and glared back, refusing to give him more than that. I was prepared to see him this time. I was ready. Then I turned sharply and walked right past, heading for the table where Allura, Romelle, and Shay were already sitting together. They'd been inseparable since elementary school. It made sense that even outside of cheer, they always stuck close.

"Hey," I said as I slid into the seat beside them.

All three of them smiled at me like a wave of relief had just passed over.

Shay reached over and rubbed my arm. "Hey, sweetie. We haven't heard from you all weekend. We were getting worried."

Allura nodded, her eyes soft. "We tried to go after you when everything went down Friday, but you disappeared on us."

I shrugged like it was nothing. "It's whatever. I'm okay."

Romelle tilted her head, clearly not buying it, but she let me have the dodge. "Hey, is that a new shirt?"

I glanced down before shaking my head. "Uh, no. It's Keith's."

Shay raised an eyebrow. "Keith? You mean the new kid?"

I nodded. "Yeah. I... sort of spent all weekend at his house."

"How?" Allura asked, her brows furrowing. "You don't even know him."

I shrugged again. "We didn't plan it. We made this agreement to tutor each other Friday after school. But then it got late, so I stayed the night. Then things got... crazy, and I ended up staying Saturday too. And last night."

Romelle smirked, leaning forward. "Crazy?"

"It's not like that!"

Allura giggled. "Then why are you blushing?"

Shay gave me a knowing smile. "Hooking up with someone after a breakup isn't a bad thing, Lance. It's normal. It can help you move on."

I crossed my arms and scowled. "I don't just go around fucking people I don't know. I don't even like him like that. He's just my friend. A friend who loaned me a shirt because I only packed enough for one night."

Allura rolled her eyes playfully. "Okay, whatever you say, honey. Are we still on for cheer practice after school? Nationals are coming fast."

I nodded. "Yeah. I haven't made much progress on the new routine with everything going on, but we can drill some old stuff or just work on stunts."

Shay rested a hand on my shoulder, her expression gentle. "You're spreading yourself too thin, Lance. Let us help with the routine. Just because you're captain doesn't mean you have to carry everything by yourself."

Romelle nodded quickly. "Exactly. Allura's runner-up—everyone knows she can put something together."

I shook my head. "I'll work on it tonight. I could use the distraction."

Allura sighed but didn't argue further. "Okay... Are you going to eat, though?" She glanced at my empty spot on the table, no tray, no lunch.

Keith has been making me eat so much. Fatty food. Heavy food. I couldn't do it again today. I needed to eat as little as possible when he's not here.

I forced a smile and shook my head. "No, I'm not really feeling it."

Then I saw one of the art club girls struggling through the line—trying to balance her tray on her lap while moving her wheelchair, no one around her lifting a finger. Perfect excuse to get away from the conversation.

I stood. "I'll be right back."

I crossed the cafeteria and slipped in beside her. "Hey, let me help you."

She looked up at me with a grateful smile. "Thank you."

I pushed her chair carefully as she reached for food, making sure her tray stayed steady. "I'm Lance. What's your name?"

She giggled softly. "I know your name. Everyone does. I'm Florona. Didn't think you'd know mine—you can't know everybody."

I smiled. "I do recognize you, though. I think we had Human Anatomy together last year, right? I just forgot your name since we never talked. You're in art club, yeah?"

Florona nodded eagerly as I steered her through the rest of the line. She had a quiet way of talking, but her smile lit up her whole face when she got onto a subject she liked.

"Art club's working on a mural for the west hallway," she said as I slid her tray onto the counter for the cashier. "We're halfway through the sketching stage."

"That sounds amazing," I said, genuinely. "I'm terrible at drawing, but I love seeing what people can create."

She giggled again as I pushed her out of the line and back into the noisy cafeteria. "Most people just walk right by us like we're invisible, so... thanks for helping. And for actually talking to me."

I grinned, giving her chair one last little push toward the cluster of tables. "Of course. You deserve it."

Florona maneuvered herself the rest of the way, sliding neatly into place at a table where a couple of art kids were already eating. I felt a little warmth in my chest—happy I'd made a new friend.

And then I froze.

Because that table was right next to Lotor's. And this time? Well, I wasn't as prepared as before.

He didn't even say anything. He didn't have to. He just sat there lounging like he owned the place, that same smug smirk tugging at his mouth as his eyes flicked to me.

My throat went dry, the blood draining from my face. All the friendliness, all the ease I'd felt a second ago—gone, like someone had pulled the plug.

Florona didn't notice, too busy greeting her friends. She gave me a small wave before turning back to her tray.

I nodded quickly, forcing a smile, then spun on my heel and headed straight back across the cafeteria. My chest felt tight the whole way, every nerve screaming for distance.

When I slid back into my seat beside Romelle, she gave me a curious look. "That was nice of you. New friend?"

"Yeah," I said, keeping my eyes glued to the table. My voice came out a little too fast, a little too forced. "She's cool."

I didn't mention that I couldn't even stay long enough to introduce myself to her friends. Didn't mention how just being in Lotor's orbit made the air feel toxic in my lungs.

Because no matter how much I wanted to pretend otherwise, one smirk from him was still enough to shatter the whole act.