Chapter Text
Lance wasn’t expecting to be thrown into space with only six different people (two of which are aliens) and mind-melded with a giant blue mecha cat. Especially since he was stuck with all of this for an indefinite amout of time.
It wasn’t like Lance didn’t like space, or what he was doing, it was just that he didn’t know how long his secret could hold out when being in a contained area with the same people. Someone was bound to get suspicious of his lack of wings, especially if he had to keep his reputation of the flashy, exuberant one.
See, back at home, he didn’t have to worry as much. His family all knew what he had to keep, and even at the Garrison, having wings was (thankfully) not a requirement. Hunk knew him for so long that he respected his boundaries and just igored the fact that Lance never showed his wings. Knowing Pidge, they might already know, or are just uninterested, which he is thankful for.
But now, four extra people are added to that equation. Two of which are curious aliens, the other two avians who may have an idea of the wrong thing.
See, it was common knowledge that some avians are born without wings, or wings so frail they had to be cut at birth. Sometimes the wings of an avian are too big-boned to lift off of the ground with, so the avian keeps them just for show. Most avians have the ability to fold their wings into their back as well, useful for situations where wings might get broken or torn. Though, being kept in the back too long could lead to wing cramps, and after pushing that limit, wings could get permanently damaged.
Lance kept his wings hidden throughout the day, making sure to bring them all out at least twice a day, but always in the privacy of his bathroom, where he knew he was safe from prying eyes.
Today was no different. After dinner, Lance returned to his quarters and started his nightly routine of a long shower and face masks. Once they were applied, he pulled out his wings to get started on preening the feathers. It would be easier with someone else to help him, since it was more of a flock activity, (he had spotted many different members of the team doing it together after a rough mission, he even saw Shiro letting Allura do his once) but Lance couldn’t do it with anyone. Not when he had four wings.
The extra wings were a bit smaller than his main ones, and they were nestled right under them, slightly below where the bigger pair connected to his shoulder blades. Each wing was the same dark blue of his eyes, the lightest being near the top of his wings, getting darker all the way down to his primaries, which were basically a deep navy. Over the secondary and primary feathers of his wings were prominent white and black stripes, sort of like what lionfish stripes look like. Near the base of his second set of wings, where they connected, deep scars and slashes were prominent, sticking out and calling for the eye’s attention like a pigeon in a flock of eagles.
Currently, most of his feathers were a mess. Since he didn’t trust that someone wouldn’t barge in on him when sleeping, he slept with his wings tucked into his back. Usually he let them out in the morning to stretch a little bit, but he had missed out that day due to waking up a bit too late. His wings were a bit stiff now, have being held in since yesterday night.
Lance took the time to carefully run his hands through his feathers, taking out any loose ones and picking out any trash. He could go for a sand bath, but he barely remembered what they even felt like anymore, not being able to have even one after joining the Garrison, having to constantly keep his wings in. When he lived on the beach with his family he would have them often, and would always end up rolling around with his brothers or sisters by the end.
Even though avians were sky creatures, he had always felt drawn to the sea just like he was with the stars. Where most avians would feel revolted or uncomfortable with their wings wet and feathers heavy with water, Lance loved it. Wings could be just as useful in water as they were in air, you just had to learn how to use them correctly.
After being lost in his thoughts, Lance realized he was pretty much done with his wings. Extending them as far as he could, he gave them a nice shake to set the feathers. Lance then began the process of curing his wings as flush as he could to his back, shivering a bit as they dissappeared and left his skin bare. He quickly finished in the bathroom and headed to bed, ready for the day to be over. Exhaustion took him over, claiming him as he closed his eyes.