Chapter Text
“HEY! WATCH IT MAN!” Someone shouted as a young man barreled through a group of people standing in front of a vending machine.
“SORRY!” He shouted, turning to look back over his shoulder at the irritable group. “I can’t believe I’m so late! Dammit!” he swore at himself as he ran through the college campus, expertly dodging students now. It wasn’t his fault though, oh no, it was his evil mastermind of a younger sister’s fault.
His sister turned off his alarm while he was asleep and had cackled at him this morning as he flung himself out of bed a full thirty minutes after his alarm should’ve gone off. She counted down how many minutes late he’d be for his first day of classes as he attempted to brush his teeth and pull on his pants simultaneously. He groaned at the memory as he raced through the school’s courtyard full of students.
“You little gremlin!” he shouted, nearly choking on the toothpaste foam in his mouth. “I’m gonna kill you!”
“Matthew! Don’t talk to your sister like that!” He heard his mother yell from the kitchen.
Matt spit into the sink as his sister howled with laughter. “I’ll get you for this,” he hissed softly at her before running a brush through his shaggy light brown hair. He shoved shoes onto his feet and sprinted downstairs and into the kitchen.
“Mom, Katie turned off my alarm and now I’m running late for class! It’s the first day! She’s evil!” He grabbed a piece of bread and slathered some peanut butter on it as his sister was summoned to the kitchen by their irate mother. He grinned smugly at Katie as she walked into the kitchen glaring at him. “See ya later sis,” he chuckled before kissing his mother’s cheek and running out, bread slice in hand, just as his mother began scolding his younger sister.
“C’mon man, focus,” he mumbled to himself, shaking his head as he ran. Matt pumped his legs harder in an effort to pick up the pace.
He finally found his class and slowed down to a stop in front of the door, desperately trying to catch his breath. He didn’t want to make a scene by bursting in, out of breath and wild eyed after all. Luck was on his side today because this was a large class, held in an auditorium so he decided to quietly sneak in and take a seat in the back. Not only was it the least disruptive plan but he’d also be near the door and could leave as soon as class was over.
Matt opened the door gently, intent on finding a seat quickly so he wasn’t noticed when his eyes landed on the most beautiful man he had ever seen.
Said young man was sitting in the last row of seats and dutifully taking notes as he pushed a strand of his long black hair behind his ear. He was slim but it was easy to see that he went to the gym. The sleeves of his black v-neck shirt were tight around his biceps and chest and hung loosely from the rest of his torso which, the brunette was praying, held the promise of a toned stomach. Matt had to consciously stop himself from salivating at the sight of his classmate.
Now Matthew Holt was not one to be shy, especially not when he saw someone as stunning as this man. Needless to say he had to talk to him or he might actually die, so that’s how he found himself approaching the beautiful stranger in the back of the class, completely ignoring his plan of finding a seat quickly before anyone noticed him.
“Hey,” Matt whispered. “Is it okay if I sit here?”
He looked a bit annoyed at Matt’s interruption but nodded curtly. Matt thanked him and took out his laptop to type up his notes. He subtly checked out the other man from the corner of his eye. It was truly unbelievable just how captivating he was. He had dark, almond shaped eyes, a delicately sloped nose, and thick dark lashes and eyebrows. Matt typed slowly as he looked at his beautiful classmate, he needed to say something but what?
The young man turned suddenly, his pretty features set in a hard glare. “What are you staring at?”
Busted.
His subtlety turned out to be not so subtle. “Umm, w-well I heard that this professor was kind of tough and I...I was hoping that you’d maybe want to be study buddies?” Matt stumbled out the first excuse he could think of.
“No,” was the only answer he received.
“Please? This is my second time taking this class, I failed miserably the first time.” A lie but Matt hoped it was believable.
“How do you fail an ethics class? It’s a pretty easy subject.”
“I’m an idiot okay?” Another lie. “I’m great at math but this stuff messes with my head.” A little truth and another lie. He had a feeling that he was going to regret this later.
The other man sighed. “The name’s Keith, and I guess I can help you out with this class if you’re that desperate.”
Success! Matt grinned widely. “Oh trust me, I am desperate. I’m Matt, nice to meet you Keith.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. “Here, type your number in so we can plan when to study and stuff.”
His heart was racing as Keith took his phone and quickly typed in his name and cell number. “I hope you’re not some kind of creep,” he whispered as he handed it back.
“Nah man, I’m like the coolest of the cool.” He winked at Keith who, to his delight, turned a bit pink before refocusing on the professor. Matt used this moment to text his best friend.
Matt:
HEEEEELP
EMERGENCY
SOS
Shiro:
I swear to any and every GOD Matt
If this is another text about being out of Eggos
I will kill you.
Matt:
THIS IS SERIOUS
Although I am out of those too, btdubs
THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER
Shiro:
Can you stop with the all caps?
What is it?
Matt:
I have just encountered the most GORGEOUS
STUNNING
BEAUTIFUL MAN
THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN!
Shiro:
So?
Talk to him?
Matt:
I DID!
I also sort of tricked him into thinking I’m stupid
So that he’d be my study buddy.
Shiro:
…
Dude
What is wrong with you?
That’s no way to start any kind of relationship.
Matt:
I knooooow
I’m such an idiot.
Where are you? Can we meet up after my class?
Shiro:
I’m at the library café.
Waiting for my little brother to get out of class.
Matt:
He won’t mind if I’m gushing about some guy right?
Shiro:
Nah, he’s cool. He’s really quiet but he won’t mind.
Might think you’re crazy though.
When are you out?
Matt:
35 minutes.
Shiro:
I’ll be here, see ya.
Matt:
See ya.
Matt sighed and shoved his phone back into his pocket. He decided to focus on the lecture while surreptitiously checking Keith out again. When the professor signaled the end of class he started packing his bag so fast he almost missed it when Keith spoke to him.
“Hey, so do you want to get together soon to go over the first couple of chapters?”
Matt turned to face Keith and was nearly blown over by how beautiful he was. Now that he was standing and facing him completely, Matt could appreciate the lithe, toned figure, the long dark hair that curled around the base of his neck, and his dark eyes that Matt swore he could get lost in. Keith was also shorter than him which was a huge bonus and he could already picture being Keith’s little spoon.
“Yeah that sounds good, um I’ll text you if that’s cool? I’m kind of in a hurry. Gotta meet a friend.”
Keith’s cheeks turned pink and he took a step back. “R-right, yeah, sorry. I didn’t mean to hold you up.”
Matt smiled at him. “Dude, relax. No need to apologize, you didn’t do anything. I’ll text you later and we can figure out a day, place, and time. Is that okay?”
Keith nodded and turned to grab his books. “Yeah, I’ll talk to you later.”
“You bet. See ya soon!” Matt nearly sprinted out of class after saying goodbye.
Shiro looked up from his book when a panting Matt threw himself into the booth the older man managed to snag.
“Did you run here?” Shiro raised one dark brow in question and Matt nodded in response.
“I d-did,” he huffed, trying to catch his breath.
“Here, have my water and take a deep breath man.” Shiro rested his chin in his hand as he watched Matt gulp down the water. “So, what’s his name?”
Matt set the cup down and smiled widely. “Oh man Shiro, I’ll have to sneak a picture of him to send to you. It’s insane how beautiful he is, his name is Kei-”
“Hey Shiro, and” a voice interrupted, “Matt?”
The sandy haired brunette whipped around quickly. “K-Keith!?” He stumbled as he jumped up and out of the booth. “W-what are you doing here? Are you following me?” He grinned, trying to turn his surprise into casual flirting.
“No. I’m here to see my brother Shiro. You know, the guy you’re sitting in this booth with.”
Matt looked back at Shiro who was watching both of them with an amused smirk. “Matt, meet my younger brother Keith.”
The two men continued to stare at each other until Shiro sighed. “Come on guys, sit down.”
Keith squeezed in beside his brother and Matt sat across from them. “So,” Shiro grinned at Matt. “How do you two know each other?”
Matt glared at him but it was Keith who spoke up. “We have ethics together. That was the class I was in just now. He asked me to be his study…” Keith froze and looked over at Matt. “Wait a second.”
“Y-yeah?” Matt gulped.
“You’re Matt Holt, aren’t you? Shiro’s genius best friend!? You don’t really need a study buddy do you?”
Busted, again.
“Um, I haven’t taken ethics before so I don’t know, maybe I do?” Matt tried not to let his panic show. He had just been caught in a lie but there was no way he could tell him the truth, he’d sound like the creep Keith was already worried he’d be.
Keith shook his head. “If what Shiro says is true, then I really don’t think you need one. So why did you lie and ask me to be your study partner?”
He was officially freaking out now and he swore he could feel his brain struggling to think of something convinving. “I was looking...for a new friend!” He blurted out.
Keith looked at him dubiously while Shiro covered his obvious laugh with a cough.
“You were looking for a friend?”
“Y-yeah, so my only friends are Shiro and this guy named Rolo and they’re both always trying to get me to socialize. So today I was crazy late for class and was resigned to sitting in the back of the class and you were in the back so I assumed that you were late too and I decided to try and make a new friend?” Matt said quickly, desperately hoping that this sounded somewhat plausible. Keith was silent as he worked through what Matt said while Shiro continued to terribly hide his laughter. Traitor.
The two brothers had been staring at him, Keith with a doubtful look and Shiro with an amused one, for so long that Matt was sure he’d die of old age right here in this booth. “Okay, sure,” Keith finally said. “I don’t know you so I’m going to take your word for it.” Without waiting for Matt’s reply he turned to his brother. “Hey, so I’m gonna head home. I’ve got three chapters to read for my physics class by the end of this week.”
The older man nodded and handed a cardboard to-go cup to his brother. “Want me to bring dinner?” Shiro asked as Keith stood and took the proffered cup of coffee. “I’ll be home a bit late today though.”
“Please?” Keith gave him a small grin. “ I don’t mind, I’ve got some chips to snack on plus you know I’m crap at cooking.”
“You got it. I’ll see you at home kiddo.”
Keith nodded at his brother before turning to Matt. “You know you didn’t have to lie, man. You could’ve just tried to talk to me without pretending like you needed help studying. Shiro has told me that you're pretty cool though so I’ll let it slide this time. I’ll see ya around Matt.”
As soon as Keith was out of the café Matt collapsed onto the table and Shiro finally let out the laughter he had been holding back. “So my brother was the, hold on so I can get this right,” Shiro grinned as he fished his phone out of his pocket, “the most stunning, gorgeous, and beautiful man that you had ever seen?”
Matt sat back up and glared at his friend. “I think you know that he is. You could’ve warned a guy y’know. Some friend you are,” he grumbled.
“Warned you about what exactly? Should I have said something like, hey so my little brother started here this semester. I think you two could be friends, I’ll introduce you to him. Oh, by the way he’s incredibly beautiful?”
“Yes! That exact thing would’ve been great.”
Shiro rolled his eyes and chuckled. “Dude, that would’ve been crazy and you know it.” He took a sip of his coffee. “Don’t worry buddy, there are plenty of fish in the sea. You’ll meet someone else soon.”
“What the hell does that mean?” Matt asked slowly, looking at the older man suspiciously.
“Well now you know that he’s my brother, so Keith is out but you’ll meet someone else.”
Matt could not believe what he was hearing. “So you’re telling me that Keith is off limits because he’s your brother?”
“Yes, of course he is. I thought that was obvious.”
“What the actual fuck Shiro!? He’s an adult you know and you can’t just decide who he does or doesn’t date.”
“That’s not what I’m doing at all. He’s free to date whoever he wants, I’m just saying that it can’t be you.” Shiro flinched when he saw Matt’s eyes widen in shock. “That came out wrong.”
“Ya think!?”
“Look, it’s not because I think badly of you. The reason I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to date my brother is because you….you get bored Matt. You get very bored, very quickly. Your relationships never last longer than a week and a half. I think it’s because no one has ever been stimulating enough to keep you interested. Keith is a special kid, he’s had a rough life and the last thing he needs is for someone else to walk out on him. He doesn’t need the pain of a heartache right now.”
“That’s unfair Shiro. You weren’t in those relationships, you have no idea what happened and you have no right to assume that I got bored and left.” Matt scooted out of the booth and gathered his things. “You also can’t predict the future and assume I’ll be the one to hurt him.”
Matt walked out of the coffee shop, ignoring Shiro’s pleas to stay and talk.
“Piiiiidge!” Matt groaned. “He’s so cute and Shiro doesn’t want me to date him! What do I doooooo?” He flopped down onto his little sister’s bed with a loud huff.
“Why the fuck are you bothering me with this? Just talk to Keith, he’s actually pretty cool despite the emo loner vibes he gives off.”
Her older brother raised his head to look at her. “You...you know Keith?”
She hadn’t meant to let that slip. “Uh, yeah I do,” she answered slowly. “He was a senior in high school when I started last year but I had a couple of senior classes and we became friends.”
He sat up eagerly and grabbed his sister’s desk chair to swing her around to face him. “So you can help me!”
She knew this would happen if she told him that she knew Keith and of course she had to go and mention it. Pidge sighed and looked at him before slowly shaking her head. “Don’t get mad but, I kind of agree with Shiro.”
“Et tu Katie!?” He flung himself back onto the bed.
“I mean he has a point. Your relationships never last, they’re so short that you don’t even tell mom and dad that you’ve met someone. It’s almost as though you already know they won’t last.”
Matt’s hands clenched into fists. Did everyone think it was always his fault that no one stuck around? “You weren’t in those relationships and neither was Shiro. I don’t think either of you are qualified to say anything about my dating life.”
“You’re right. We weren’t there but you didn't tell us anything either so we were left to speculate.” She scratched her arm absentmindedly. “The thing with Keith is that he’s fragile. He doesn’t act like it but he is. He’s been hurt, big time, and he’s gone through a lot of shit.”
He sat up to look at her. “Shiro said the same thing. What exactly did Keith go through?”
“It isn’t for us to say. It’s his story to tell. All you need to know right now is that he’s a precious snowflake and if you hurt him forget about Shiro killing you, I’ll kill you myself. Just get to know him Matt, be his friend. He could use more of them.”
He nodded thoughtfully before grinning broadly. “Let’s throw a party.”
Well. That was a complete one-eighty.
“Did you hit your head and lose your goddamned mind? That came out of fucking nowhere and we live with our parents Matt, how in the world are we going to throw a party?”
“It just popped into my head.” Matt shrugged. “They’re going away in two weeks, remember? It won’t be a big party. I’ll invite Shiro, Keith, and Allura and you can invite Hunk and Lance.”
Pidge hummed. “I guess that could work, oh you should tell Keith to bring his friend Romelle too. He’ll feel more comfortable if he has her and Shiro there. Especially since Lance will probably start some shit with him because he claims that they’re rivals or whatever.”
Matt chuckled. “Lance is crazy but he’s a good guy.”
“You only say that because you both are walking memes.”
He clutched at his chest and staggered backwards, pretending to be in pain. “Slain? By my own flesh and blood?”
Pidge just rolled her eyes and turned back to her computer. “Loser.”
“You wound me Pidge,” Matt cried out dramatically before throwing himself on the floor.
“I swear Matt, I will kick you. Now get out, go text Keith or something. Get him some coffee, he’s addicted to the stuff.”
He sat up. “He’s studying for his physics class though.”
“So? Aren’t you majoring in it? You’re a genius, offer him some help.”
Matt stood and ruffled his sister’s hair as she hissed at him to stop. “That’s why I come to you little gremlin. You’re so smart.” He ran out of the room before she could punch him and escaped to his bedroom.
He sat at his computer desk and grabbed his phone to text Keith. He slowly spun around in his chair and his fingers were shaking as they hovered over his phone, trying to figure out what to type.
Matt:
Hey Keith, it’s Matt.
I know that when you left school
you were going home to study physics
I’m actually really great at physics.
I’m majoring in it.
So if you need any help I’m here.
He stared at his messages for far too long after sending them. Did he sound like a loser? Keith was taking too long to answer, maybe he freaked him out? Were his texts too aggressive? Matt moved to lay back on his bed and stared at the ceiling. He was overthinking this, he knew it and yet he couldn’t stop. He wanted to get to know Keith, not only was he alluring but his reticent attitude inexplicably drew Matt to him. Shiro and Pidge talking about his troubled past did little to quell his interest in the quiet man. He also really wanted to impress him, to make Keith want to get to know him as much as he wanted to get to know Keith.
His phone dinged and Matt sat up to look at it far too quickly then he would ever admit.
Keith:
Hey Matt.
I actually wouldn’t mind the help.
Would you be able to meet up Friday?
I know a great coffee shop where we can study in peace.
Matt answered him immediately, regretting it as soon as he hit send. He was going to look so desperate, answering right away like that.
Matt.:
I have a class BUT
I am totally free after 2pm.
I can meet you there if you want to snag us a table?
“Matt, you idiot,” he whispered to himself as he stared at his message, sent not even a minute after Keith’s. Much to his surprise Keith also answered immediately and it made Matt smile. At least he wasn’t the only eager one.
Keith:
Sounds good.
I’ll send you the address.
See ya then.
Matt:
Cool.
Keith?
Keith:
Yeah?
Matt:
I’m sorry about what happened in ethics today.
I didn’t mean to lie
I’ve always been that really smart kid that people befriended just to pass.
And I guess I just wanted to know that I could be friends with someone
without being used.
Keith:
It’s okay Matt.
I always have trouble making friends too.
We’ll hang out, no pressure.
I promise not to use you for your brain.
Except for Friday.
But let the record show, you offered it.
Matt:
Lol thanks man.
See you later Keith.
Keith:
See ya.
Matt lay back on his bed, grinning goofily up at his bedroom ceiling. He was meeting Keith for coffee on Friday and his heart was doing little flips in his chest at the thought. He was determined to call that beautiful boy his one day.
He was late. Of course he was, that seemed to be his perpetual state of being. Matt swore softly and shot Keith a quick text.
Matt:
Stuck in class
It was supposed to be over 15 minutes ago.
OH! HE’S DONE!
FINALLY.
Omw!
He sent the messages in quick succession, not giving Keith anytime to reply.
Keith:
Wow, um ok.
Drive Safely.
He did not drive safely. Matt drove quickly, determined not to make his cute crush wait any longer and made some very questionable maneuvers in order to save time. When he finally parked he checked his phone and saw that he was about forty-five minutes late. “Fuuuuuuck me,” he groaned.
What a way to make an impression. So far he’s lied to Keith and was late for their first hangout. What’s next? Getting him kicked out of school? He shut off the car and got out, hopefully Keith wasn’t too upset over his tardiness.
Matt walked in and immediately spotted Keith sitting alone in a round booth. His jet black hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail with loose strands framing his face and perched on his nose was a pair of black glasses. He was hunched over two books and various notebooks, reading and meticulously taking notes.
He was admiring Keith from a distance when the other man looked up and waved awkwardly at him. He smiled in response, after pretending to look around the room, and walked over to him.
“Hey, sorry I’m late. I tried to get here as fast as I could.”
Keith shook his head. “I understand, don’t apologize man.” His cheeks started to turn pink as he turned his face away from Matt. “Um, when I got here there weren’t any tables s-so I grabbed this booth. I hope you don’t mind.”
A nice small booth where he could cozy up to Keith? Matt did not mind that at all. “I like booths better anyway. It’s more conducive to study breaks than a table.” He flashed Keith a bright smile and settled in. “So where are you stuck?”
Keith’s eyes finally landed back on Matt’s and he couldn’t help but thank whatever force brought him and Keith together. “Who said I’m stuck?”
“Well when I walked in you were frowning at your textbook and flipping through your notebook where I could see you had already taken notes, although I didn’t recognize you with your nose buried six feet deep into your notebook,” he laughed. “So I assume that you’re stuck?”
Dark eyes narrowed at Matt before closing as Keith sighed in defeat. “Fine, I might be kind of stuck.” He opened his eyes again to glare halfheartedly at his tutor. Matt dared to scoot a little closer, celebrating when Keith didn’t move away.
“That’s what I’m here for, to help you get unstuck. Now, tell Dr. Matt what’s wrong so that I can fix it.”
Keith rolled his eyes but the corners of his lips curled up in a small smile. “You’re a weirdo, you know that?”
“Okay, break time. Keith, buddy I am EXHAUSTED!” Matt announced and slouched down into the booth.
“We’ve only been studying for two hours? What kind of college student are you? I’m only a week in and I’ve already pulled two all-nighters.”
“Keith, my dude, I am the best kind of college student. I do whatever I want, pass my classes, and still find the time to enjoy the little things in life.”
“So, lazy?”
Matt nearly slid out of the booth when he heard that. “N-no, I do all my work thank you very much. I just don’t have to work as hard as most.”
“You’re a lazy genius Matt, I get it. You just think you’re better than everyone else.” Keith had a teasing smirk on his face and Matt could only grin.
“Yeah well, why deny the obvious?” He laughed. “What about you, boy wonder?” He asked.
“What about me?”
“Shiro told me you were at the top of your class in high school, despite some trouble that you got into. He didn’t elaborate.”
Keith leaned back and crossed his arms. “Well, it was exactly that. I was at the top of my class and then I got into some trouble. I was almost thrown out of school but somehow Shiro convinced them to give me another chance. So I stayed within the lines and graduated. Now here I am.”
Matt nodded thoughtfully. So that was a touchy subject, moving on.
“How are you enjoying college so far?” He asked, sensing that Keith was starting to close off. “Doing the whole college kid thing?”
“It’s fine, I’ve only been here one week though. Ask me that again in a month.” He blew his bangs out of his face. “What do you mean the whole college kid thing?”
“Partying,” Matt stated simply.
“Again, I’ve only been here for a week Matt.”
The older man smirked at him. “So? I’ve already been invited to two different parties this week. I didn’t go, but they’re happening.”
“Yeah well, I don’t have the time for that stuff.”
“For going to one party?”
“For Parties, meeting people, dating, all of it.”
Matt studied Keith and their eyes locked as he thought about his next comment. “I was only talking about parties,” he said with a small grin, “So I take it that means you’re single?”
Keith turned bright red and tore his eyes away from Matt’s. “Does that even matter?”
Oh it mattered very much to Matt. This conversation was proving to be very informational but Matt had to watch what he said, he was learning quickly that Keith was very defensive.
“It does since I’m trying to get to know you. I doubt that you are though, I mean, look at you. You probably have a girlfriend, a high school sweetheart. If it helps you, I am totally single.”
Keith snorted. “You? Single? I doubt that very much and no I don’t have a girlfriend. So what is that confession supposed to help me with exactly?”
“To share, get personal with me. Tit for tat, y’know? I share something, you share something.” Matt leaned back and placed his arms behind his head. “Why would you doubt my status as an eligible bachelor? I am single as a pringle. No girlfriend, no boyfriend, it’s just me, myself, and I.”
The dark haired boy was blushing again and damn it if Matt didn’t find it adorable.
“B-because you’re really...um, good looking.” Keith stuttered out. “B-boyfriend?”
“So you think I’m handsome?” Matt winked at him. “I’m bisexual,” he answered easily with a shrug of his shoulders. “I hope that’s not a problem?” Hopefully he’d find out now if Keith was into guys too.
Keith shook his head and looked away again. “It’s not,” he said as he nervously scratched the back of his head. “You admit that so quickly and easily,” he said softly.
“Why shouldn’t I?” Matt sensed a change in Keith’s demeanor and leaned in close to him. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
Dark eyes met hazel ones and Matt felt an overwhelming urge to kiss this gorgeous boy. An urge he had to force down because he could sense that Keith needed things to move slowly and Matt had a feeling that Keith was worth going slow for.
“How can you be so sure of that?” Keith tore his eyes away from Matt and looked down once more. “Everyone acts like it’s a shame that needs to be hidden.”
“Keith.” Matt took a chance and reached out to take Keith’s chin in his hand and turn his face back to his. “You’ve been around the wrong kind of people, that’s all. It’s not something to hide. All hiding does is poison us from the inside out, twisting us into people we never wanted to be.”
Keith stared into Matt’s eyes, his own wide with anxiety and fear. “I’m gay,” he whispered. “I’ve never been able to admit that to someone I just met.” His brows furrowed in confusion. “So why did I just tell you?”
Matt gave him a soft smile, celebrating internally that Keith still hadn’t pulled out of his grip. “Maybe because I opened up to you? Made you feel safe to come out to me?”
Keith continued to stare at Matt, their faces just inches apart. “I dunno, I….I just don’t know.” He swallowed thickly and continued to gaze unwaveringly into Matt’s eyes. “There’s something different about you, I can’t explain it.”
The older boy was painfully aware of just how close they were. It would be so easy to just lean in, so he did but Keith visibly stiffened. Matt stopped and smiled gently.
“Thank you for telling me Keith,” he said as he planted a brief kiss on Keith’s cheek. He had to do something to justify his closeness and it became clear that he needed to move slower than he thought with Keith.
Matt moved away, smiling when he noticed just how red his study partner was, and relaxed back into the booth again. “Seriously Keith, thanks for trusting me with that. I know it’s hard to say that to someone you just met.” Matt shot finger guns at him and grinned widely. “Hopefully this is the start of a beautiful friendship.”
“That was so cheesy,” Keith chuckled, his face still red. “Way to ruin the moment.”
“I am the king of cheesy, despite what anyone else tells you and moment ruining is my specialty.”
Keith laughed and looked away. “Thank you Matt, really, for being so accepting. Only Shiro has made me feel safe enough to admit that to.”
Matt nodded and sipped on his coffee. “Anytime, seriously, you can come to me with anything Keith.” He suddenly thought of something that would hopefully put Keith back at ease so he decided to say it. “That includes the feelings you’ll inevitably develop for me. Don’t worry though, you can tell me all about how madly in love with me you are.”
Keith just rolled his eyes and opened up his textbook. “Can we get back to physics now, Romeo?” He smirked.
“Only if that makes you my Juliet,” he replied with a wink.
Keith leveled a serious look at him. “Physics, now.”
“If we must!” Matt cried dramatically as he slapped his palms onto the table and turned back to Keith’s books, almost missing the small smile and faint blush on his new friend’s cheeks.
He was so thankful that he caught it.