Chapter Text
"Now this is what I'm talking about," Lance says, settling back on the plush bed with a satisfied sigh. He hears Keith's responding chuckle, along with the soft click of the hotel room door, and props himself up to see the former Red Paladin shuffle into the room, unable to hold back a grin at the sight of Keith looking like he’s been swaddled in layers and layers of formal winter clothes.
Keith’s movements slow when he takes a moment to look around the room, processing the sprawling velvet-covered canopy bed, the floating lanterns that emanate light in impercefptibly shifting hues, and his expression turns into one of awe. He looks down and shares a smile with Lance, and Lance burrows deeper into the duvet to hide his fond grin. He hums once he’s comfortable and the lighting shifts to a deep blue.
"Miss the royal treatment?" Keith asks, amused. He gestures to Lance's feet and Lance eagerly lifts them so Keith can take off his heavy boots.
"No, I—oh my God, that’s so much better.” Keith's smile widens. Lance cranes his neck to catch it before letting his head flop back onto one of the pillows. He raises a hand to give Keith the fistful of hairpins and gold-plated jewellery he's already extracted and runs quick hands through his curls to find any remaining strays. “I just missed having an actual bed. Maybe I should apologise to Shiro for all the jokes about his back pain ‘cause, believe me, I get it now.”
Lance suddenly holds his hand up again. Keith's brow furrows when he sees it's not holding anything and he opens his mouth to ask, when Lance reaches forward and laces their fingers together. "I missed you, too."
Keith’s smile turns wistful.
"Me too.” His hand tightens where it's held in Lance’s and he glances down, expression returning to the pensive one he’s worn all evening. "Like you wouldn't believe.”
It’s sobering, and Lance finds he can no longer stand the distance. He sits up and takes both of Keith’s hands in his, pulling him closer until he’s standing between Lance's legs and helping ease off the heavy overcoat still hanging from his shoulders.
Fighting the urge to ask the million questions he wants to, Lance instead revels in his warmth and gently tugs on his hand, making him further soften and fall with him as he makes sure to shake off his shoes and Lance makes sure to shift so that, when they're lying down, Keith's chin rests on his chest. Keith’s arms loop tightly around Lance. He shudders pleasantly once Keith draws him closer by the waist so they’re pressed flush.
Their hands stay clasped. Lance whispers “I love you” and the room bathes in amber, all the questions dying on his lips when Keith surges forward to meet them.