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“Hunk, wait up!” Lance shouted panting after his friend about to cross the street
“The heck man. I thought you had stuff to do after school today?” Hunk said patting Lance’s back as he finally caught up
“Not really. Coach wants us to take it easy the next few days to be prepared for the game. He sent us home with tape to look over and we are going over it tomorrow.”
Lance pulled his shirt off his chest in a slight fanning motion. Faking a dramatic pant and groan as if he were too out of shape for the sprint he just did.
“Oh yeah! Game is Friday isn’t it?” A slight smirk crawled across both boys faces
“Yeah! They are going down this year!”
“Pretty sure you said that last year too. Pretty sure they won in the last three minutes,” Hunk added rolling his eyes
“Yeah but this year is different!”
“Not really,” Hunk muttered
Lance playfully shoved Hunk as they turned a corner, “Wanna stop at the coffee shop on the way home? Gives me fuel for this game I gotta watch tonight,” Lance asked digging in his bag for his wallet
“Works for me. It’s on the way anyway,” Hunk said kicking a rock out of their path
“You are coming Friday right,” Lance asked finally fishing out his wallet holding it up in victory
“Of course I am. I gotta see how this plays out between you idiots,” Hunk snorted
Lance rolled his eyes tilting his head back slightly savoring the last of the day’s sun. A slight crunch of fallen leaves occasionally echoed around them as they chatted about the upcoming game.
A bell sang as they entered, waving slightly to a group of guys in the corner. The girl at the counter waved enthusiastically as they came in as well.
“Hey you two! It’s been awhile! The usual I guess?”
“That would be great! Thanks so much Romelle,” handing her the crash waving her off about the change
“Are you excited about the game Friday?” Romelle asked pulling out the cups
“Of course I am. You all are going to get your butts kicked,” Lance poked his tongue out at her and she mimicked him
“That’s a lot of talk coming from someone who lost last year,” a voice said just as the bell did its song again
Lance rolled his eyes leaning against the counter as he turned.
“Ah crap,” Hunk muttered besides him
“Well hello Mullet. Nice of you to join us,” Lance teased as the dark hair boy frowned pushing his hair out of his face
“It’s not a mullet McClain,” he said elbowing him as he stood next to him
“Where’s Pidge shouldn’t she be babysitting you? You two are supposed to be apart two weeks before the game because you two are miserable when you are together,” Hunk whines as Romelle handed them their coffee
“Aw come on Hunk. It’s a friendly rivalry isn’t it babe,” Lance said slinging a arm over Keith’s shoulder
“Don’t call me babe,” Keith shrugged him off earning a pout from Lance, “Besides we are rivals this week Lance. Friendly is not in our vocabulary.”
Lance snorted sipping his carmel coated drink offering Keith a sip who blanched at the smell simply turning away.
“Baby,” Lance muttered earning a slap over the head from Keith
“Hey hey! This is also why you two are separate! You abuse each other too much. Best friends or not someone is going to think you are trying to sabotage the other team!” Hunk said pulling Lance back by his collar
“So much drama over a soccer game,” Romelle sighed handing Keith his black coffee
“Not just any soccer game,” Lance and Keith answered in creepy synchronization
Romelle rolled her eyes again, “It’s a high school soccer game between the two ‘big’ schools in the district. It’s a small town we don’t have much else to be excited about anyway,” she stuck her tongue out at the boys
Both boys stared at her wide eyed and jaws on the floor.
“How dare you!”
“You two got to stop speaking at the same time. It’s creepy,” Hunk said
“Look,” Lance leaned back against the counter wagging a finger at Romelle, “My school is really close to collecting all the lions this year. It’s my job to help bring that red lion back where it belongs. With me.”
“No,” Keith huffed, “I think last year I very much proved why it belongs with me.”
“The idea is stupid anyway!” Romelle started again, “The two schools are literally awarding themselves with different colored lions when they win like a game of Pokémon or something. Gotta catch them all you know.”
“False,” Keith pushes his hands on the counter, “Each sport gets a different lion color. The goal is for the school season the school that has the most lions wins but there is a bigger prize if one school manages to get all the lions for the sports.”
“Yeah yeah. The special giant lion robot or whatever,” She waved her hand turning away
“Way to insult Voltron like that,” Lance huffed turning back to Keith
“Anyway Mullet,” Keith scowled, flipping off Lance, “We shouldn’t be seeing each other like this before the game. So what are you doing here?”
“Coffee addiction duh,” Keith held up his steaming cup leaning over to smell it slightly humming in satisfaction
“This is still a bit far from your normal shop,” Lance teased
Hunk rolled his eyes tanking Lance by the collar, “I’m breaking you two up. You guys are ridiculous. You all can talk after the game.”
Lance scoffed but gave a sheepish goodbye wave to Keith as he was dragged out. Hunk not letting him go till the coffee shop was out of view.
“Rude. You all don’t let us talk at all just because of a game,” Lance muttered into his cup
“Because you all make life miserable about it. The whole best friend but rival thing is exhausting with you two.”
“Oh are you any better Hunk? Tell me,” Lance leaned against Hunk’s shoulder a teasing look in his eye, “What exactly happened at the exhibition with you and Pidge?”
Hunk shoved him off protecting his coffee, “It was her fault! Her stupid bot-“
Lance waved his hand and wiggled his brows as if his point had been made. Hunk groaned hiding behind his coffee as Lance did his thing.
Living in a smallish town meant they knew basically everyone. There were three high schools, the two public schools and the one random private school that only had an average of ten kids a class. So when it came to competition it was an ongoing thing to look forward to.
Friends would be rivals even if just for the night. They would be back to joking around in a few hours. Now entering their junior year Lance wanted to sneak that win even more. Their freshman year it had been a tie much to his annoyance. No shoot out seeing it wasn’t really that important of a game. Then last year Keith managed to win scoring a really pretty goal in the final minutes.
So Lance had to win this year or else he would never hear the end of it.
“See you tomorrow Hunk,” Lance waved as their path split
Lance sighed opening the door being greeted by his mom. His sisters were likely getting into some trouble and he knew his dad was still at work. So he had just enough time to relax in his room before really needing to do anything.
He kicked his door closed flopping onto the bed face down groaning slightly. Muscles overworked from the training over the past few days. It was probably a good thing the coach gave them the evening off.
Before he could truly enjoy the comfort and warmth of his bed he heard a slight thunk against his window. Then again and again.
Lance groaned sitting up unlocking his window pushing it up only to get smacked in the head with a small rock.
“My bad.”
The voice didn’t sound too guilty about it. Lance flipped off the voice and laid back down. He could hear a slight scramble as a body climbed through his window and flopped beside him.
“Are you staying for dinner?”
“Are they going to kick me out?”
Lance snorted rolling slightly to face the body that had joined him, “They would never kick you out Mullet.”
Keith scowled, pushing Lance slightly, “It’s not a mullet!”
“Then what do you want me to call you,” Lance teased laughing as Keith pinned him
Lance stretched slightly letting his lips graze Keith’s ear. A slight delight filled Lance feeling Keith shiver over him.
“Does Babe work?”
“No,” Keith answered flatly moving off of Lance who was laughing again
He knew Keith was likely hiding the shade of red coating his face. As he moved toward his desk pulling up his laptop and digging through Lance’s bag.
“Why the hell is your bag chaos?”
“I’m a busy man Keith.”
Keith dropped the laptop and stick with the film from the last game onto Lance’s bed, kicking him to move over.
“How much trouble would we be in if the coaches knew,” Keith mumbled boosting it to life pulling up the game footage
“I mean… I gave you ours too you know,” Lance said moving forward to hit play and leaning back against Keith’s side
“I mean the whole… well we are in bed Lance,” Keith said flatly as the whistle blew
“What they don’t know won’t hurt them,” Lance said flicking Keith’s nose
“You are supposed to be paying attention.”
“You forget I was there cheering you on. I’ve watched it already… technically,” Lance let the last but drip because sure he was watching the game… but he had a different main focus
“Well pay attention to those that are not me,” Keith teased rubbing a spot just above Lance’s knee
“Don’t get too cocky Babe. You aren’t the only good player on your team. I have more threats to worry about than just you.”
“I feel so loved,” Keith rolled his eyes turning up the volume
His phone eventually pinged, drawing their attention away from the game.
“If that’s Shiro lie,” Lance said peeking over
“He’s going to know I'm over here anyway.”
“Lie anyway.”
Keit snorted, tossing the phone to the bed simply not answering the text.
“Look at that a Galra traitor,” Lance teased
“That’s because my boyfriend is a pain in the ass,” Keith smacked the back of Lance’s head
“Secret boyfriend,” Lance added
Yeah… secret boyfriend
That was the other small town problem. Not everyone was cool with love is love thing. They were both sure if they came out to their friends they would be fine as well as… most family members but as for the rest…
That had been a debate. To wait and date in college or go ahead now and simply keep it a secret. They opted for the second which was probably good considering the desperate confession that was filled with tears and fear.
Let’s be honest confessing love is scary no matter who you are
So they kept up the best friend charade in front of everyone. In all reality their relationship really didn’t change too much. The only difference was now in the safety of their rooms they often shared kisses and cuddled a bit more than ‘just friends’ could say they did.
They couldn’t really say they were ok with it but for now it was better than the painful pinning.
“One day,” Lance whispered, dropping his head back to Keith’s shoulder, “It won’t have to be a secret anymore.”
Keith gave Lance a small smile before pressing a kiss to his forehead. Turning back to the game they were supposed to be watching. Occasionally making a remark about this play or that.
Their phones buzzed. A signal from the McClain family group chat that dinner was ready. Forcing them to close the laptop and rush downstairs before they got scolded.
Food was a serious business in the McClain household. Don’t make others wait or they will eat without you.
“Keith aren’t you supposed to be at your home till the game,” Mr. McClain teased as the boys rushed down
“Oh leave them,” His wife swatted at him
“It’s fraternizing with them enemy,” Rachel teased as well
“They might try and kill each other in their sleep. Might even the playing field a bit,” Veronica added
“Yeah right we would still kick his ass even if we were both dead,” Lance teased poking Keith who simply smacked Lance in the back of the head
“Behave at the table or you two are stuck doing dishes for a month and no Keith no running off to get out of it,” Mrs. McClain gave a clean enough look where they did stop their antics to finally eat
After dinner ended, the table was clear, the dishes dry, and the casual family chat in the living room had ended, the boys hid back in Lance’s room.
No sooner did the door close did the end up back under the covers curled into each other.
“We need to shower,” Keith muttered
Lance only whined and cling tighter to Keith who chuckled giving Lance an extra squeeze.
“Are you staying tonight?” Lance asked
“Sure. Probably can’t get away with staying tomorrow though. Shiro will drag me home.”
“He is the coach. We should be glad he hasn’t come to get you tonight.”
“Because I won’t answer his texts,” Keith snorts looking over at his phone that should definitely have a few missed messages from Shiro
“He’s knows where you are anyway,” Lance sighed pulling back kissing Keith’s forehead
“I’m showering first,” Lance defat he’s himself rolling off the bed
“I’m the guest,” Keith argued
Lance snorted already, digging out clean clothes for the pair of them. Tossing Keith a set. Who knows who the clothes actually belonged to at this point. They have been mixing closets for years.
“Guest my ass. You basically live here,” Lance said leaning over once more sharing a quick kiss before scooting off toward the shower
Keith finally opening his phone rolling his eyes slightly at Shiro’s messages
You are supposed to be resting. You better not be running.
Keith… did you eat?
… you are with Lance aren’t you
You two aren’t supposed to see each other till Sunday!
Keith answer the phone
Traitor
Keith snorts finally shooting Shiro back a text
I’m not the traitor though am I Night
Keith could already imagine Shio going red with his response.
Keith and Lance weren’t the only ones in a secret relationship. Shiro being the coach of the Galra very much happened to be involved with the Garrison’s coach which is who Lance plays for. It was secret for the reason as earlier. It wasn’t likely supported and then of course there was the whole rivalry thing.
Keith and Lance simply knew because the pair were not in the least bit sneaky. Meaning it happened more than once when they accidentally walked in on them in the living room much to Keith’s horror.
It only made Friday’s game however that much more interesting for them.
The bell rang Friday afternoon signaling the end of the day.
Lance stretched at his desk popping his back in several places before moving for his bag.
“Good luck tonight McClain!” His teacher called and Lance simply smiled and waved
He wasn’t nervous per say. At least not yet but there was always that extra sense of fuel that seemed to float through his veins when he got to play against Keith. That extra spark that got him a bit antsier than normal.
Lance headed to the locker room. It was a home game for him. Not that Keith has to travel far to meet him anyway so really there was no true advantage to either team.
Lance was surprised however to see the coach already stationed in his office.
“Hey Adam, you're early.”
Adam peered over his glasses looking at Lance, “Yeah you know how it is. Work let me out early because it’s game day. Heard you’ve been fraternizing with the enemy,” Adam smirked
“A whole lot less than you do,” Lance teased back
Unlike Shiro, Adam wasn’t as easily embarrassed about how they were caught. Sure he hadn’t wanted it to happen but now he and Lance joked about it enjoying watching Shiro and Keith pink up at the memories.
Lance slumped into the chair besides Adam dropping his bag off to the side. Adam raises an eyebrow taking off his glasses to give them a slight clean.
“Is there a problem?”
Yes
Wednesday night was great. Keith had stayed over. The cuddles under the light of the moon through Lance’s window sharing kisses as they melted to sleep. Then Thursday came and after school… Keith was just in a mood.
Lance couldn’t put a finger on it. He was off though. Didn’t really accept any touch minus a quick kiss on Lance’s temple before leaving before dinner.
Sure it could have been in favor of tonight’s game but normal Keith would have teased or something. Played along and still have slept over.
“Keith was just weird last night.”
“Weird as in?”
“Weird as in wasn’t acting like my best friend but I don’t think it has anything to do with today’s game,” Lance said pulling out an extra sandwich he had packed for before the game
Adam hummed, “Shiro seemed fine… maybe it was nothing?”
“I hope so,” Lance muttered
There was always that stupid worry in the back of his head. Ever since he and Keith started dating in secret that maybe it wasn’t good enough. That Keith would change his mind and ask to try again in college. It didn’t matter what. Could be the slightest change of the wind and that was exactly where his mind went.
It wasn’t fair to Keith and he knew that… but his brain couldn’t seem to focus on the facts
On the other hand… it very well could have been literally anything else that made Keith a little distant yesterday. Could have been a bad test, he just didn’t sleep enough, his coffee was too sweet, or even that the sky had a hint of rain in the forecast for the game.
Really it could have been nothing… Lance was just going to overthink it till it was something.
Adam looked back to his computer only for his phone to interrupt him. He rolled his eyes at the caller id.
“Yes?”
Lance couldn’t hear the other end but judging by the second eye roll he was assuming it was Shiro. Adam glanced at Lance shaking his head and moving the phone down hitting a button.
“Want to repeat that for me babe?” Adam said
“You put me on speaker phone, didn't you? Hi Lance.”
Lance snorted swallowing his mouthful of sandwich, “Hey Shiro. Now what did you do?”
“I didn’t do anything! I was just offering your coach a nice relaxing snack pregame with potential dinner depending how the nights goes,” Shiro attempted time cover
“You were trying for a quickie in the locker room again weren’t you,” Lance teased earning a barking laugh from Adam
“I literally hate you so much Lance. I can’t wait to kick your ass later!”
There were some muffled noises on the other end before a new voice popped on, “Ignore him, he's ridiculous.”
“We already knew that Keith,” Lance responses
“Oh hey Lance. We should be there in about 30 minutes is what he was supposed to be calling to say.”
“Good. We will see you then,” Adam answered reaching over to hang up
Not even five seconds pass when Lance’s phone buzzes with a message from Keith
I need to talk to you when I get there
Lance winced at the message but sent a thumbs up anyway.
After all… maybe it was nothing.
———
Keith had hardly stepped off the bus when he spotted Lance just off the side. Quickly making a beeline toward Lance without being caught. Throwing glances at his teammates as Lance caught his elbow and drug him near the concession stands that were currently empty.
“Hey you good?” Lance whispered
“Yeah sorry I just needed to warn you about something,” Keith whispered looking over his shoulder
Lance raised an eyebrow confused. Warn him?
“Look… I don’t know the truth to it yet they didn’t really say anything to me because they know I’m friends with you but apparently some of the new guys plan on targeting some of the players.”
Was that it?
“Ok? People get targeted all the time?” Lance tilted his head still keeping an eye on Keith
“Yeah but I think they are doing it with the intention to hurt. Lotor was kinda being suspicious but obviously I’m out of the loop.”
Lance leaned against the wall with a frown, “That’s stupid they have friends on this side too.”
“Exactly why I’m confused. I’ve been trying to figure it out. I’m might be overthinking it or something,” Keith muttered and Lance felt his heart quiver a bit
“You've been thinking about this since yesterday, haven't you?”
Keith nodded slightly and Lance reached over running his hand through Keith’s hair for a moment. So that’s why he was distant. He was thinking about this.
“I’ll warn my guys. I know there isn’t much anyone can do with Lotor.”
“I think he’s just stressed because it’s his final year so he really wants to win. I think he got it into the first years heads that it’s like a do or die thing,” Keith muttered rubbing a hand over his face
“We will be ok… Thanks Keith,” Lance whispered pulling Keith’s hand off his face giving him a small smile
“Sorry it’s just been on my brain. I don’t know what but I’ve got a bad feeling about today is all,” Keith muttered
Lance frowned and did a quick peek around them before pulling Keith into a quick hug.
“Please take care of yourself. I’ll watch out for my guys. Relax. Have fun, it's supposed to be a game.”
Keith sighed and nodded, returning the hug quickly before splitting and shouldering his bag, “Better find them before they come looking.”
Lance smiled softly letting his hand drop from his boyfriend’s shoulder. He watched as Keith turned and jogged back to his team. A few seemed to question where he went. Lance could hear him mutter something about a bathroom and that was it.
Lance rejoined his team motioning for them to gather.
“Hey guys this is a quick warning. I’m not sure how far they are going to take it but apparently Lotor is planning on targeting a few people with the aims to completely take them out of the game. I don’t know who but I just know he’s thinking about it so be prepared.”
“Well that’s stupid of him. He’s going to get busted by the first few whistles if he tries,” James rolled his eyes looking over at the other group
“Just a heads up ok. Let's stretch alright. Ref should be here soon.”
Lance shared a look with his captain who hung back slightly, “So how did you find this out?”
Lance looked over to the other team who had begun their stretches as well.
“Oh right your friends with Keith aren’t you?”
“Yeah, he gave me a heads up but he wasn’t sure how far Lotor was planning on taking it.”
“It’s a high school soccer game he’s being stupid,” The captain whispered earning a snort for Lance
“Well come on. Let’s join the rest. I got a feeling this is going to be a long night.”
Lance bounced shaking his hands slightly trying to keep his muscles loose. The crowd had already formed. Banners and drums clashing around them. He could hear the announcer calling out the names of the Galra members first.
He couldn’t help but feel the slightest smile slip out as he heard his boyfriend’s name be called as a starter. Sure he had started all this year and last but it never stopped that little bubble of joy from rising through Lance.
Or maybe it was pride
A new theme song became to play through the speakers. The Garrison being the home team got a bit more of an elaborate introduction. It was stupid anyway but small town deals liked to add some sort of sparkle to their lives.
Names of each player were called out. They high fives and went down the line. When they finally finish the two teams face each other and share a nod before the captains move to the center for the coin toss.
Lance twisted his back a few times as the things sorted themselves in the center. He looked over to find Keith in deep conversation with another boy their age as he also twisted his back.
Feeling the gaze Keith looked up and stuck his tongue out at Lance. Lance smirked and flipped him off rejoining his coach for final instructions.
It wasn’t time for flirting. It was time to be rivals again.
Lance felt a slight surge of adrenaline hover at the tips of his fingers and toes as they stepped on the field. He looked across the other end where Lotor and James were glaring at each other. Lance let his gaze wander one final time to Keith who was busy looking at Lotor before taking a deep breath and waiting for the ref’s whistle.
The whistle was sharp and almost drowned by the cheers of the crowd. The ball sent quickly toward the left the Galra quickly taking control and Keith shot off toward the Garrison’s goal. Lance let himself fade back slightly watching as their defense made quick work of the poor kid Keith made a long pass to.
Sure enough it placed Lance in the perfect spot as the defenders sent it to a teammate who was able to shift it to Lance who was wide open. Lance gave a small smile as he moved down the field. That was when the first short whistle blew however forcing Lance to stop the ball and turn confused.
Behind him it seemed the teammate who had passed to him had cross hit with a Galra player. Both clutching their ankles rolling slightly on the grass. Lance huffed kicking the ball to one of the guys off to the side to wait for whatever call was to be made.
And it kept on
With only three minutes left to half both teams had enough temporary injuries to make it look more like a boxing match than anything. The Garrison had to sit one out for a bloody nose that hadn't stopped. The Galra also took one out after they finally gave out a yellow card.
Lance noticed that fairly quickly. Despite how physical the game had gotten the yellow cards were slim. Like way slimmer than they should be.
Lance argued that with the ref during one round when he had basically been knocked flat by a Galra freshman. No ball in sight. The ref had simply countered that if he wanted a yellow card that bad he would give him one. Lance simply turned on his heel muttering under his breath ignoring the glare his coach was also sending his way.
It was after that play Lance had muttered to the others throughout that if the Galra wanted to play dirty then they would see how much they could get away with too. Sure enough the refs didn’t seem to blink or care when they causally returned the hits.
This was small town soccer. They weren’t flopping for attention at this point. They were willing to take a hit and hit back. If they were going to go down with a foul then they were sure going to deserve that foul.
And it was getting dirty
Lance hadn’t even realized who he slammed into half the time or who slammed into him. Fat drops of rain slowly started to come down. The ball picked up speed as pairs clashed for it. Occasionally it would pop up. Lance thankful for his height managing to jump up and head it closer to the Galra’s goal. It didn’t help that the game was still tied 0 - 0.
Lance took a quick look at the game clock. Two minutes till half.
Lance shoulder checked Lotor as he passed him. Lotor stumbled and seemed to debate trying to draw a foul since the ref was glancing at them only to surge forward after him. James passed the ball back toward a freshman defender. The defender sent it deep in the field to where Lance and Lotor were playing their speed game. Lance ducked out from Lotor and managed to get a foot on the ball for all of thirty seconds before a body slide in under him kicked the ball out from under him toward Lotor. Lance cursed as he lost his balance. Whoever had managed the slide got all ball nothing really to call foul on but Lance did manage to hit the ground trying to land on whoever was under him.
He sorta failed feeling an elbow in his ribs grunting slightly but heard no whistle. He rolled away popping up slightly out of breath. A quick look showed him the ball was already well enough away. He would be fine for a second trying to catch his breath.
He glanced down noticing it was Keith who happened to knock him off his feet. Keith’s gaze glanced at the clock as he rose to his feet.
“Aren’t you supposed to be way on the other side,” Lance panted
“There was an opening,” Keith wheezed
The pair groaned as the ball shot toward the Garrison goal only to be blocked by the goalkeeper. The ball quickly rocketed back toward them. The heavy pace of the first half was starting to wear on the teams in general. Lance glared at the ball as he finally moved to meet it with annoyance.
Why couldn’t the stupid thing just go in a goal already?
Lance managed to sneak the ball away from one of the Galra and just as he went to send it forward he was absolutely body slammed from the side. The whistle blew as the ball feebly rolled away from the tangled pair of bodies.
Lance hissed as the other player ripped himself upward pulling hard on Lance’s leg as he went up. He heard the ref shout some more, blowing the whistle again and again.
“Hey break it up! You are on the same team!”
Lance couldn’t look up yet though. He was still trying to wiggle his fingers and toes in order for the feeling to come back to them. He knew his face probably looked a bit rough. He could feel the mud and grass plastered to the side of it from where he had slid a bit on landing.
“Lance?”
“I’m fine give me a minute,” Lance grumbled not wanting to open his eyes
“Dude did you hit your head?”
“Lance, can you get up?
“Shake it off your fine.”
“Why are you hovering over him? It was your damn teammate who knocked him out.”
“Let him be man, they are friends.”
“But they are rivals for now!”
Lance finally opened his eyes blinking at the group of people hovering over him. His coach, the ref, some of his teammates, and then Keith.
“You good McClain? Didn’t look like you hit your head but you are sure acting like it,” His coach said as the medical trainer snapped her fingers so he would look her way
“I think he took a cleat to the head on the way down,” Keith muttered earning a look from the coach
“My ankle,” Lance mumbled sitting up
All eyes shifted down to his ankle. It was covered and looked at least in place.
“Cleat to the ankle then we got tangled. I think I got kicked on the way down,” Lance muttered
“We gotta get you up and move you. It’s half kid,” the ref grumbled like it was Lance’s fault he got hurt anyway
“If you just call the damn hits instead of letting everyone hit each other this wouldn’t have happened,” Keith spat
“Hey there is nothing wrong with a bit of contact,” the ref started
Keith moved to stand and face the ref with a look on his face Lance had seen many a time. He moved his hand to Keith’s jersey keeping him down. Keith looked back down at Lance with a look.
Lance sat up. Keith quick to put an arm under to help heave him up. Lance could vaguely hear clapping from the crowd as he finally stood. He tested his ankle finding it was indeed sore but nothing he couldn’t work through in a second.
“Kogane wrong side!” the Galra coach called as Keith kept an arm around Lance even though he seemed sound enough to walk on his own now
“Who was fighting anyway?” Lance grumbled as Keith saw him to the bench
Lance didn’t miss the fact Keith’s face reddened and turned at the question
“Me and Lotor. He was the one that hit you.”
Lance snorted slightly, taking some water and wiggling his ankle slightly.
“Kogane!”
“You better go,” Lance whispered looking up at Keith who made a face, “We are still rivals right now you know.”
“Yeah,” Keith grumbled leaning forward slightly to whisper in Lance’s ear, “You know this is some Romeo and Juliet shit. Star crossed lovers and all.”
Lance shoved Keith gently with a giggle, “Look at Kogane being the cheesy one. Does this mean I get a kiss if I win?”
Keith spun on his heel heading toward his bench, “You mean when I win!”
The whistle blew for the start of the next half. Lance had been cleared to go back in once the trainer seemed he just had the wind knocked out of him. His ankle was a bit sore but nothing he couldn’t play on. Coach Adam however opted to hold him and let him rest a bit longer.
“Don’t worry I’ll stick you back in when you are needed. Rest for a second will you,” he had huffed as Lance whined at the new lineup
It was always a bit odd referring to Adam as coach or coach Wight when his brain constantly wants to mock him saying coach but he grew up knowing him as Adam for so long. Though he knew Keith had the same problem with Shiro coaching on the other side.
Either way he was stuck on the sideline for the time being. Being stuck to the side for the first time he really noticed the crowd. He had always put a bit of pride in being a player that the crowd couldn’t get to. He could tune them out as he played.
But dang they were loud
Stands packed with family and students from both teams. Lance couldn’t see from where he was at but he was sure his family was there as was Keith’s. Their friends likely packed together despite supporting two different schools likely taking bets on who is going to hit who at this point.
All of them here to watch a bunch of high schoolers kick a ball around for a bit. Cheer for whoever they thought deserved their attention and pride.
Lance winced as once again Lotor tried some stupid stunt. This time at least getting a warning as the Garrison got to attempt a goal kick. It failed.
Ball back in play Lance glanced at his coach shouting at James to move the ball. He wanted back in. He wanted to win. Partly to tease Keith in all honesty…
But he really did like to win
“McClain!” Lance jogged over to Adam rolling his shoulders slightly, “Next whistle jump back in.”
“Right!” Lance grinned rocking a bit on his toes
“You sure you're good? I know the trainer cleared you but if you feel otherwise?”
“Good as new! We can’t have this end in a tie right?”
Adam chuckled patting his shoulder
“Don’t let this town’s bullshit get in your way kid. But try and make the goal pretty if you can and don’t kill Keith or Lotor.”
Lance chuckled and a whistle blew out and he quickly jogged to the field giving a quiet high-five to the guy who had replaced him for the moment. Lance felt Lotor’s annoying glare refocus on him as James also made a friendly taunt about finally getting back in the game.
The ball was thrown in and the game began again.
A few minutes later Lance found them chasing down Lotor as he was annoyingly close to their goal and a bit too unprotected to be safe. Lance finally managed to get close just as Lotor went to send a kick toward the side but as far as Lance could see there was no one to pass to. Lance ended up sliding out a bit as he tried to deflect the kick. The ball popping up slightly and away from both him and Lotor hopefully giving his defenders time to send the ball well away.
Only a streak of that stupid purple and black uniform popped out of nowhere took all of two steps and sent the ball deep into the net before the goal keeper could react. A mix of cheers and groans filled the air as the score now flickered 0-1 Galra leading.
Lotor glared down at Lance before turning back toward the center field. Lance rolled his eyes following feeling a slap on his back as he went.
“Told you I was going to get my victory kiss.”
Lance laughed slightly poking Keith in the side watching in delight as his secret boyfriend squealed at the touch. Not many know Keith is extremely ticklish.
“Game isn’t over darling. I’ve got time.”
“No kiss if we tie,” Keith teased whispering slightly as they got closer to others
“You would cave first,” Lance joked as Keith kept walking to his spot
“Would not!”
“Focus McClain,” James rolled his eyes as Keith walked away, “Best friends later rivals right now.”
“You all are no fun,” Lance grumbled as the ball was set into play again
It just had to be three minutes left again when Lance finally saw it. Like a little path finally lit up for him to shoot at. Even if he was going to have to nail it through with his left foot a smidge off balance. It was there.
So he took the shot.
“GOAL! That puts us tied 1-1 with under three minutes to go! Nice goal by McClain!” The announcer could hardly be heard over the crowd
It wasn’t over yet though. There were no points after for this game. If they tied they tied. So they had to score one more.
Because in Lance’s book a tie is still a loss
“Who’s showing off now?”
Lance turned his head slightly smirking as he jogged past Keith.
“Just for you,” Lance responded pointing at Keith before his teammates centered around him
There wasn’t much time left though they needed another goal. He didn’t even want to think about the little bit of extra time they were going to get stacked on in the end. It still felt like it wasn’t enough.
Ball back in play. Freaking Lotor did some weird nod and two freshmen almost slammed into James who didn’t even have the ball. Curses were brought on. Yelling started. A fight almost broke out. Whistles started yet again.
No foul no flag
They couldn’t actually do crap like that. Had this been any other game the refs wouldn’t be so casual. They wouldn’t be gunning for a fight that was very likely to happen now.
“This is getting ridiculous,” Lance cursed glaring at Lotor who seemed to be looking right back at him
Ball goes again bouncing between teams without much headway. Desperation now shows as the clock starts to flash under a minute. It’s announced there was a minute twenty of extra time.
Still not enough
Ball popped up close to the Garrison’s goal. Lance jumped up to head it away right into an open Junior. He managed to break past a few Galra toward their goal. A growing roar started in the crowd as he got closer. Just needing to shake off Keith who was hot on his heels and the defenders farther up. The goalie had been rather useless the whole game Lance didn’t understand why they hadn’t swapped.
The roar died to groans from the Garrison as Keith managed to steal it, sending it to a defender who sent it back toward the Garrison goal.
Lance in the vicinity against Lotor and that stupid freshman of his.
Lance quickly looked down the field to see if anyone was free. No luck. Glances at the clock. Forty seconds of extra time left. He would have to carry the ball forward and hope someone comes open.
The freshman came right up on him trying to push him over and over. His hand tugging at the back of his jersey trying to slow his speed. Lance elbowed him back hearing the kid hiss only to try and hit him back harder.
Lance finally sent the ball back toward the junior who had lost it earlier. The freshman however did not leave him alone. Gave him a shove and followed him as Lance moved off to the side a bit. Ready for back up if needed. The kid shoved again. Lance elbowed back.
Ten seconds left
There was a hole. Lance moved just in case. Ball popped up. Someone could head it in. They were close enough. Lance jumped. So did the freshman. So did three others around them.
Lance felt the freshman basically climb up his back. Lance finally kicked the kick in the thigh coming down as both failed to head the ball in. Another Garrison player had managed but not enough. The goalie made the first half decent save of the game and the whistle blew, making the game final.
Lance huffed, annoyed and out of breath. Offering his hand out as a quick high dive to the Garrison kid who had made the final attempt. It didn’t matter in the end. 1-1 final score. No winner tonight.
Lance went to pat the back of one of his freshmen when he was shoved again from behind causing him to stumble forward a bit. It was the same stupid kid.
“The hell is your problem? Game is over. Get a hold of yourself,” Lance growled turning to face the kid
“Hey stop it you two,” The ref said pointing at the pair
“He started it,” Lotor jumped in pointing at Lance, “He’s been on the kid the whole second half.”
Lance gave Lotor the ‘could you not’ look tossing his hands up slightly.
“Line up and behave. You all fought hard now say good game,” the ref said as if he had done his job for the night
He definitely hadn’t.
“What are you going to do about him hitting him after the whistle?” Lotor asked still pointing at Lance
“I didn’t touch the kid!”
Lotor made a few strides to Lance looking ready to grab the front of his jersey. The ref hardly took a step towards him to stop it when Lotor was quickly shoved out of the way by his shorter dark haired teammate.
“Line up. Get over yourself. We tied,” Keith said shoving Lotor again
Both Shiro and Adam seemed to have noticed the problem seeing neither team was going back to the sides they should be. Instead moving quickly as the teams seemed to circle around each other waiting for the other to strike.
“Protected your best friend the whole game didn’t you Krogane. Makes you a bit of a traitor wouldn’t you say,” Lotor started staring down at Keith
“Pretty sure I knocked him down at a point. Don’t think that’s much protecting.”
Lance took half a step forward ready to pull Keith back if Lotor went for it. Lotor wasn’t much of a team player. Never had been. He and Keith had been in plenty of fights on the field before. This wouldn’t be the first.
“Hey come on to the line,” Shiro said finally arrived stepping between Lotor and Keith
“You would take his side wouldn’t you,” Lotor growled slightly still staring at Keith
“I’m just saying go to the line. Game over,” Shiro pressed laying a hand Lotor’s shoulder
Lotor shrugged it off, taking a few steps away only to turn back and face Keith again. He gave a glance toward Lance and smirked.
“I know the reason your team wasn’t surprised about our tactics was because he ratted it out to you. You all were surprisingly durable for it which means you had a heads up. Even if the refs didn’t call anything.”
“Let me guess you maybe slid a bit of money their way so everyone could see a good fight or something,” Lance said taking a step forward only for Adam to grab his collar holding him back
Lotor scoffed turning back to Keith, “I would never pay money to make sure we win because that’s stupid. Now sleeping with the competition is new but obviously it didn’t work. What’s wrong can’t keep your feelings off the field?”
Shiro managed to catch Keith midair as he had launched himself at Lotor. Lance couldn’t have kept the red tint from his face if he tried. He could feel Adam’s grip tighten around his collar as if expecting Lance to jump as well. Whistles sounded all around them and a red card was flung into the air. Everything way out of hand as the crowd booed and shouted above them. They had no understanding what conversation was happening below them. They just saw one teammate try to jump another and while that red card didn’t do crap for this game it would hold for the next game.
Teammates around them were a bit too confused to really understand what was happening but one did have enough common sense to grab Lotor by the elbow and shake him slightly.
“Seriously stop it, what is the point of it all? You can’t be that sore over this you idiot,” The senior that had grabbed Lotor said
“Oh I’m not but I do have a bit of a problem with our teammate who lets sleeping with the competition affect his playing.”
“Keith played the same as he always does. You are the idiot who let things get complicated with their emotions. Besides they are friends bug off,” Another teammate swatted Lotor over the head and Lance felt himself relax just a hair
Shiro finally sets Keith down but doesn’t let him go. Lance could feel waves coming off him. He couldn't pin exactly all the emotions coming off him but he could taste a hint of anger in there. The ref shouting at both Adam and Shiro demanding for them to get their teams under control even though all those who had been on the verge of fighting were definitely under control.
Keith looked back at Lance and Lance could see something shift oh so slightly in the mix of emotions that were swirling violently in Keith’s eyes. Keith seemed to go completely lax in Shiro’s hold. Shiro looked down to see Keith’s concentration had completely shifted from Lotor to Lance and released his hold on him.
Lance couldn’t read what was going on in Keith’s brain which wasn’t the first time. Keith often thought of too many things at the same time then picked the most chaotic situation. He just knew he was looking right at him. Lance was sure he was still a smidge red from Lotor’s comment and on the fact Adam still had a solid hold on his collar. Lacne could only tilt his head slightly and watch Keith’s thoughts race by.
Keith seemed to finally picked his chaotic thread to follow because he turned back to Lotor with a new look on his face. Shiro quickly grabbing his collar before he could do anything more stupid.
But he didn’t control Keith’s tongue
“Do you have a problem with me and Lance specifically Lotor? Honestly because he was really the only one you kept going after over and over. I’m the only you had a problem with when it came to defending how you wanted to go into this game. Everyone else said something too. About how stupid and reckless you were going into this game. That someone was going to get hurt because of it. Remember? Because I’m pretty sure the others said more than I did. Just because I have a friend on the other team though you come after me. You go after him. So what is your problem?”
Lotor turned with a smirk as if he had been waiting for that specific question. The teammates trying to pull him back and prevent him from speaking but obviously that wasn’t working with Keith… so it wasn’t going to work any better with Lotor.
“Hey it’s not like the others don’t have friends on the other team too. It’s just last I checked you were the only one who had scratch marks on your back from one of them,” Lotor jutted his chin toward Lance
“And so what if they are from him?”
Collectively both teams seemed to short circuit as if not expecting a confirmation to come from Keith. Lance could only hide his hands in his face as he felt eyes shift to him. Adam’s hand even dropped from Lance’s collar.
So much for staying a secret or maybe they could play it off as a joke?
The reason for never saying anything was for the people in this town. Small town with small ideas. The heavy majority did not approve of same sexed relationships. It wasn’t safe. Even if they had the support of their friends and family more than likely the pressure and crap from the others could make them snap. Wait to college was the plan and even then it was just tell family first and maybe a few select friends.
Honestly Lance had been all for telling family now. It was Keith who pressed on the waiting. Reminding him why Adam and Shiro kept their relationship quiet.
Yet here was Keith tossing the plan well out of the window
“I still don’t understand your issue here,” Keith continued ignoring everyone’s reaction
“My issue is you are screwing the competition and letting it affect your playing,” Lotor countered
“The only person who played differently today was you and the freshman you got it on it,” The senior who had Lotor said pulling at him again, “Now leave them be.”
“So no one has an issue with them being rivals and screwing at the same time?” Lotor said a bit louder that Lance was sure some people from the bottom of the stands could probably hear
“No. Besides they are friends they aren’t dating,” James jumped in and Lance still refused to move his hands from his face
He was going to die here. Just bury him under the field. He didn’t need to be here for any of this. It’s just a stupid game.
“Does any of this really matter right now? The game finished and everyone played their best. The end. I’m sure we will face each other for Regional finals. We can settle this crap then,” Lance final shouted drawing more attention
“Maybe you haven’t been paying attention McClain, the topic has switched,” Lotor sneered
“It shouldn’t have. What does who either of us sleep with have to do with the stupid game!”
“Enough!” Adam’s voice was sharp and demanding
Lance, Keith, and Shiro flinch familiar with the strictness of Adam’s voice. It was hardly used but when used it made one feel like bowing their heads like dogs being disciplined.
“The way half of you are behaving is ridiculous. What happens in a player's private life stays off the field. Everyone played as such with the exception of you Lotor. Whatever feelings you seem to harbor carried onto the field and you let it affect everyone and now you are digging at others over it. Grow up and move on. I will not tolerate this on my field or against my players and I won’t tolerate it against your own teammates as well. Now line up!”
All players seemed to slowly back away and angled to their line. Muttering from the crowd seemed to roll across the field. As the teams very slowly edged away from each other it left two extremely annoyed coaches, an angry referee, and two embarrassed and angry boys in the center.
Lance reached out and gave Keith’s jersey a small squeeze before taking a step back feeling Adam’s stare heavy on his neck.
“That includes you two,” Shiro sighed rubbing his hand over his face
“Do you all ever get sick of it all?”
Eyes drawn back to Keith looking at the crowd around them
“Sick of what?” Adam hesitated
“Hiding.”
Adam and Shiro looked at each other then back to Keith and Lance. Lance hesitates, no longer heading back toward his team. All eyes still locked on the group in the center. Both teams are still dragging their feet to lineup.
“Yes… but it’s to stay safe,” Shiro muttered as softly as possible sharing a look again with Adam
“And you still know how I stand on the matter,” Adam responded firmly
Lance snorted raising an eyebrow at Adam, “Fuck em?”
Adam smirked, “Exactly.”
“Fuck em,” Keith muttered looking still at the friends and family in the crowd
He turned his gaze back to the group, a new fire in his eyes. He locked right into Lance. Lance’s eyebrows raised again and he tilted his head slightly. Reading Keith could be a challenge but when you know him just long enough there is a little light that pops up when he was about to do something stupid.
The light was hovering right there as if waiting for an answer
Lance could only shrug with a smirk gracing his lips as he managed to pull the strings of Keith’s light together, “Fuck em.”
Keith only had to take a few long strides forward to grab the front of Lance’s jersey before Shiro, Adam, or the ref could stop him.
And he kissed Lance right in front of everyone
———
Keith and Lance were laying in Lance’s bed watching some show on Netflix that was in all honesty just background noise at this point. Lance busy braiding sections of Keith’s hair while Keith slowly traced patterns on Lance’s thigh.
The events after the kiss were every bit as violent and chaotic as the game had been. Teammates were shocked and a few cursed as Lotor once again made a jump. The ref flagged both of them for something Lance honestly didn’t care to remember; he just knew they were definitely both out for the next game.
The crowd was a mixed reaction. The noise loud and stupid but it hadn’t mattered because Lance had cupped Keith’s cheek and kissed him right back in front of everyone.
No more hiding
They both skipped school on Monday by judgment of both their parents as social media and even the local news were having a field day with the situation. No one exactly happy the rivals were kissing at the end of a soccer game. The fact they were both guys didn’t help.
Lance wasn’t surprised to see the hate of it on social media. It definitely didn’t surprise him from the adults and fellow classmates. He was actually more surprised about the support they got. It was slim but it was there.
“Think we can sweet talk our parents into taking tomorrow off too?” Keith muttered falling asleep under Lance’s touch
“I feel bad for you mainly you have to deal with Lotor,” Lance moved to a new section and started another braid
“I’m sure Allura found out by now and threatened to castrate him. That might help.”
“Let’s hope,” Lance sighed worry glinting through his mind thinking of how his now public boyfriend was going to be back in school with all the daggers now aimed at him
Lance was less worried about himself honestly. No one had tested him before he’s sure they probably wouldn’t try now. Keith on the other hand had always magically ended up in a fight one way or another. This would be a perfect way for someone to try to get him expelled.
“Maybe you should transfer,” Lance suggested
“But I like being rivals with you. Adds to the fun,” Lance didn’t miss the small smile on Keith’s lips as he spoke
Lance could only snort softly and bend over to press a kiss to Keith’s forehead.
“Think of it they could make some cheesy movie on it. But They Were Rivals or something,” Keith waved a hand lazily in the air for dramatic effect
“Isn’t that a vine?”
“Doesn’t matter,” Keith muttered leaning deeper into Lance
The bedroom door swung open revealing Rachel with her school bag along with Pidge.
“We got your school work,” Rachel pulled the papers out throwing them on the desk and Pidge did the same
The boys only hummed in response. The girls flopped on the bed next to them. As Lance had expected their family and friends took it fairly in stride. It actually surprised Lance that no one already knew.
“We knew you idiots were pinning we just didn’t think you were together,” Hunk had clarified after the game
“So prepared to deal with the idiots tomorrow?” Pidge asked frowning at their Netflix choice
Keith hummed opening his eyes and looking up at Lance. Lance couldn’t help but smile down at him. This was nice being able to do all this openly. Finally no longer having to hide even if those around them disagreed.
They deserved to be happy and in love just like anyone else.
“We will be fine,” Keith answered Pidge’s question raising a hand to tug at Lance’s hair slightly
“Yeah… I think we will be just fine,” Lance whispered as he leaned closer to Keith
Lance felt Keith’s ghost of a smile on his lips as they finally reached each other again. The kiss almost sealing a type of promise that they would forever be just fine.