Chapter Text
“Ulaz, please.”
He gave a quick nod. “If you can convince Blaytz and Antok. For an hour. Just the scientist. No royals.”
“Thank you, Ulaz. I really appreciate it. This was a request from his Highness himself.”
“Just be grateful I here instead of Kolivan.”
“Thank you.”
Keith let out his breath once the door closed. Asking for a favor barely a week into his job was intimidating to say the least, especially since Ulaz saw Pidge’s tradition as frivolous at best. Spirituality was not something the commander easily grasped.
“Keith, can we talk?” Keith was pulled from his thoughts to see his brother with his eyebrows furrowed.
“Why are you making that face?”
“Walk with me?” Shiro offered, already beginning his stroll, leaving Keith to catch up. Shiro seemed to want to create some space before he spoke up again, leading them to the starkly empty ballroom.
“I…” Shiro paused, collecting his words. “I understand that this job is very different in its nature from the Blade. I don’t blame you for anything. It’s not your fault.”
“Shiro, what the hell are you talk about?” Keith stopped, crossing his arms across his chest.
“How is Lance?”
“Don’t change the topic.”
“I’m just worried you’re getting a bit… attached.”
Keith felt his shoulders tense. He wouldn’t admit it to himself, but he knew he was. He was going out of his way now to arrange an excursion for Pidge, even if it was a drain on the guard’s resources and burning one of his few favors, because Lance had beamed when he had mentioned it. Keith fell asleep to the thought of Lance’s consideration in arranging their dance. His wrist still bore the present from the Prince.
“Like I said, I get it. In the Blade, it is all about the mission. You don’t really talk or spend much downtime with each other. Whereas now you get to spend every minute with Lance. But, just don’t forget this is a job.”
“Is it wrong for me to like the man I vowed my life to protect?”
“No. I would consider Allura a friend. It’s not that.”
Keith bristled. “Then what is it?”
“I’ve just never seen you warm up to someone so quickly, Keith. And I’m worried that maybe its just the lack of contact that is causing you to jump the gun a bit. I don’t want you to look at your relationship with him with rose-colored glasses. You’ve been hired to protect Lance, a naturally flirtatious and charming Prince. We’re servants in the same way his maids are. I know I forget it sometimes.”
Keith groaned. “Shiro, I promise I’m not infatuated with Lance or anything. Okay? I can handle myself and I am aware this is my job. Stop treating me like a child. I’m competent – that’s why I got this job. I don’t need you reminding me how to do it.”
Keith walked away, not listening to the apologetic voice which followed him.
“Oh! Keith, what’s up?”
Keith had knocked on Lance’s door, having worked out everything for Pidge’s excursion. The Prince was dressed casually in a white tunic and cuffed tan pants, book in his hand. Keith smiled at him, stepping inside when Lance ushered him in.
“I was able to arrange protection for the forest so Pidge can perform her mediation ritual. I understand it is a day late, and the protected area is a bit limited, bu-“
Lance pulled Keith into a tight hug, cutting him off. He squeezed him tightly before pulling him back, though his scented shampoo lingered in Keith’s nose. “Oh, Keith! Thank you so much! They’re going to appreciate this so much!”
“I am afraid you cannot accompany them.” Keith hoped Lance’s excitement wouldn’t fall at this admission, but he had to get it out before Lance was too eager.
“Oh, I figured. They always try to keep me locked in here. But this is great news! Did you tell Pidge already?” Lance was practically bouncing on the balls of his feet, book forgotten where it fell to the floor during their embrace.
“I thought you could do the honors. It was your idea, after all.”
“But you did all the work! Tell me, did you have to trade your soul for this? Last year, I asked Kolivan myself and he rejected me outright because he felt the forest had too many blind spots.”
Keith just laughed, not wanting to focus on what he agreed to at the moment.
“Ugh, Keith, I could kiss you! You’re amazing!” Lance pulled Keith into another tight hug which lasted much longer this time. Not only could Keith take in the summer florals of Lance’s shampoo, but the heat his arms gave off around his body and how perfectly his face nestled into the crook of Lance’s neck. Keith was thankful for his hiding spot as his face was burning as he thought of the idea of Lance kissing him over and over again within his head. If Keith just pursed his lips slightly, he could give a faint kiss right now.
But instead the hug ended, as Lance excitedly went to the door to share the news with Pidge. Keith lingered for another moment, alone in Lance’s bedroom. Eyes closed, he relived the moment again. And again.
So maybe agreeing to train the incoming Blade class at dawn for a month wasn't as terrible as it first sounded. Especially since it meant Keith could see Lance jump with joy. Keith would do anything to see him smile.
Maybe Shiro was right to worry. If anyone overheard his thoughts, they would think he had a crush on the Prince of Altea. But Keith wasn't some fairytale character. He was just happy to have such a good friend in the Prince.