Chapter Text
Keith is a lot of things. The former Black Paladin. A soldier. A warrior. The son of Krolia and Heath. Shiro’s right hand man. Friend to many. Lonely.
But he isn’t the type of person to wallow in inaction.
He admits that maybe he is sad. Maybe the war affected him more than he thought. That maybe he should be doing something other than hiding and putting up statues.
Allura would want more for him.
He wants more for himself.
So he makes a decision and calls the therapist.
It is a Garrison person, but a good one. A woman with a sharp tongue, a sense of humor, and the weird ability to get Keith to open up. He supposes it comes from being a therapist. He moves from one word answers to more, talking about when he almost died, the first time, the second, the third, even the fourth. He talks about losing Allura, not being able to protect her. Of letting her walk away. He talks about Shiro, losing him over and over again and sometimes his fear that he will call and Shiro will be gone again.
He also talks about Lance, how he feels peaceful around him, how strange this is since Lance used to be a thorn in his side. Though, if Keith is being honest, he likes that about Lance. Lance keeps him on his toes, keeps him sharp.
He isn’t sure if it helps, really, but he does feel calmer, more at peace as he samples Hunk’s new vegan food (amazing, even without animal products, somehow). More at peace as Pidge shows him around her new lab at work.
Shiro and Adam go on a second honeymoon and Keith stays at their house, taking care of their cats and watching TV and generally feeling like maybe, just maybe he has his shit together again.
But there is one area of his life that he can’t avoid anymore.
Lance.
Keith’s stupid heart beats faster just hearing his name.
He impulsively stops at a grocery store before going to Lance’s farm, picking up a little bouquet. It is only when he is standing at Lance’s door, knocking, that he starts to feel stupid. The bouquet is small and wilted compared to the gorgeous flowers that Lance himself grows. Why would a flower farmer want flowers as a gift anyway? Plus, this is weird. They are just friends and dudes. What if Lance isn’t even here? He didn’t check…
His spiraling thoughts are stopped by the door jerking open, a bleary-eyed Lance standing there in sweatpants with stubble on his face.
He looks amazing.
“Keith?” He says, face brightening.
Keith wonders what he has done to be so blessed by this sight.
“Can we talk?” Keith says.
Lance looks at Keith carefully and then nods.
“Come in.”
A moment later and Keith finds himself awkwardly holding a cup of tea in one hand and the bouquet in the other while sitting on Lance’s couch.
“So, what is it?” Lance says gently, smiling at him.
“Here,” Keith thrusts the flowers at him.
“For me? Aw, thanks samurai. What’s the occasion?” Lance takes the flowers and holds them to his chest.
Keith takes a deep breath and looks up at Lance.
Lance’s eyes are gentle, soft, and knowing. Keith realizes, suddenly, that Lance already knows. Might have known for awhile now. That maybe Keith doesn’t hide his feelings as well as he thought, not in those long nights he spent with Lance at the farm before, fixing fences, grilling out, laughing, living.
He also realizes that everything is going to be ok. He doesn’t know what Lance’s answer will be, but, in a way, it doesn’t matter. Lance knows and Lance will be nice about it either way. Beyond all else, they are friends, best friends, and they care about each other so deeply that he knows Lance will have his back no matter what, romantic or not. It will be ok. His life is full and he is loved and he loves those around him. He doesn’t need more, though he is no longer going to stop himself from seeking more. Life is short and beautiful and Keith doesn’t want to be afraid anymore of what might happen.
Keith smiles back and takes Lance’s hand, exhaling and letting go of the fear in his life.
“Lance…” he whispers, opening his heart for the first time ever.