Chapter Text
Keith knows something is different.
It’s the way Shiro smiles, freely without worry as if the weight on his shoulder have being lifted.
It’s the way Hunk acts. More confident, more sure of himself. He laughs more and doesn’t look so anxious anymore.
It’s the way Pidge talks. Softer, and kind. She doesn’t look so stressed anymore. She stills works many hours to find her family, but she’s happier.
Keith doesn’t know what’s different, but he knows it’s related to Lance. Every time the boy enters the room, a big smile appears in everyone’s faces.
It odd, but he never question it. Everyone is happy, right? So he is happy too.
But it wasn’t normal.
Hunk hugs Lance more often and gives him little kisses on his cheek, and Pidge takes his hand whenever she can and sometimes she even sits on his lap. This was different, but he didn’t considerer it strange. But the Shiro joined to the love fest, and Keith got curious.
Before Voltron, before Kerberos, Shiro used to be a very affectionate person. Shiro was never the same after the Galras, but now he was back to being touchy again.
He hugs everyone all the time, especially Lance. No, Keith was not jealous, he was actually very happy and relief. Shiro was acting more like himself again, and he was grateful to Lance for helping Shiro without realizing.
Still, curiosity was killing him. And he couldn’t help but feel a little left out of that… Whatever amazing thing his friends had with Lance.
“Hey, mullet! What are you doing here? Thought you’d be in the training room.” Lance, of course.
Keith turns around and gives Lance a little smile. The boy smiles widely in return.
They talk a bit about nothing and everything but especially about their lions. It’s nice. Keith and Lance have improved a lot with time, and even when they still fought about silly things, Keith cherished the friendship they had.
But Keith is not stupid. There's something off with Lance, he can tell. He looks nervous, uncomfortable even. He's stuttering a lot and seems frustrated.
He sighs and feels a little disappointed. ‘I thought we were friends now... Maybe we aren’t?’
“Keith?”
“Yeah?”
“Are you ok? You stopped listening…” Keith frowns and so does Lance. “Do you… Want me to go?”
“What? No! I was just… Thinking.”
“Oh… Can I just about what?” Keith takes a deep breath and nods.
“Are we friends, Lance?”
The boy blushes. “Why do you ask that?”
Keith drops his gaze. "I don't know, I mean... I've seen you with the others. And you all guys seem to really get along. And it's fantastic, you know? You aren't only a team, you are friends and I just... I don't know. Do I make you feel uncomfortable? I just, you seem a bit… ” God, Keith was nervous. He lets out a sigh and just shrugs. “I think I’m rambling... I just... I want to let you know even if you don't consider me as your friend, I do see you as one. I love you Lance, and I care about you. A lot. No matter how much we fight... I love you.”
Lance was staring at Keith with his eyes wide open and cheeks completely red. "Keith...” He whispers, and the red paladin slowly lifts his gaze. “I do care for you, you are my friend.” And his words are so soft and full of affection that Keith can't help but blush too.
"But... But then why you've been--?"
"Nervous around you? Because I wanted to give you something."
"What is it?"
"Just close your eyes." Keith raises an eyebrow, but does as he told.
It takes him just a few moments to realize what's about to happen.
He hears Lance moving closer, he can feel his breath over his lips, his nose touches his. And for some reason, he doesn't move away. He stays still, eyes closed, waiting.
Their lips finally touch. And it's so kind, so slow at first. The both of them take their time to get used to this. Lance is hesitant. Kissing Keith is different, unique. And it's nothing like he imagined. It's better, but he's lost. Keith is in full control, and really, Lance doesn't mind a bit. They savor the moment, Keith bits Lance lower lip, he opens his mouth and the kiss intensifies.
One of Lance's hand are on his hair, and the other one on his shoulder for support. Keith hands are on Lance's hips. Pulling him closer, not leaving any space in between them.
Lance moans and Keith bits him again. This kiss is different, is not only love, but also its passion. It's everything. And Keith loves it.
They broke apart, both panting. Their foreheads were touching, Lance cupped Keith's face a give him little kisses on his lips.
The action is so sweet, so tender after what the shared few seconds ago and it makes Keith feel loved.
There's no need for words anymore. Keith had always being a person of actions, not words.
He knew now that Lance loves him as much as he loves him, and that was everything he could ask for.