Work Text:
They were in Keith’s collage room. It was a cozy little space, walls filled with posters with his favourite movies and bands. Keith had his laptop open on his lap, typing away for the project they had to deliver for professor Coran’s class. His back was being supported by two fluffy pillows, making him sink into them a bit.
Lance, who was previously scanning the book for any type of information that might be helpful for their project, glance up taking in Keith’s concentrated face. He could see Keith’s eyes scanning his screen, his left eyebrow scrunching the slightest. His bangs were falling into his eyes, escaping from the half up-do he had made some 20 minutes ago. Lance took a mental note of how Keith’s hair had grown since their first year. He thought back to that time. How it seemed as if they couldn’t stand each other, just like water and oil. Fire and ice, red and blue. He bit back the little giggle threatening of escaping his throat. First year him would be so confused if he knew that, right now, Lance was sitting in Keith’s bed, barely a foot away from him, using Keith’s own pillow to support his back.
Tilting his head, Lance lets his eyes rest on Keith’s figure just a moment longer. He could feel how his cheeks grew warmer. Maybe it was the temperature in the room, the comforting light pink walls making it cosier somehow, or, maybe, it was all because of Keith. Him in his ugly blue sweater (although ugly wasn’t the first word popping in Lance’s mind while looking at the boy), his trademarked black pants and his messy hair. Lance wanted to rip his hair out from just what Keith made him feel. Nonetheless, Lance keeps his eyes trained on him and his smile grows softer.
Keith’s voice rang in the previous silent room, slicing it.
“Hey, Lance? Do you know if we-”, he cuts himself off, lifting his head from his computer screen, finally.
“Uh?”, he says out loud, tilting his head to the side slightly. He wasn’t expecting Lance’s eyes to be on him already. And, most of all, he was not expecting to see that look in Lance’s eyes. Soft adoration.
Keith knew all to well about that look. Shiro would not stop teasing him about it when they had their weekly hang out sessions. He would always comment how Keith’s eyes would soften comically fast while looking at Lance. How Keith looks at him like he hung the very stars he’s so passionate about. Keith would always deny it, but he knew it. Knew Shiro’s observation was right. How Keith’s eyes would automatically look for Lance in a crowded room, how he would seek his companionship in their group, how he made sure to present professor Coran all the reasons for why they should be allowed to work together in this project. He knew what he felt for Lance went beyond what normal friends feel like. He loved Shiro like a brother would, he loved Pidge and Hunk as friends. Hell, he even loved Allura as a friend, now, as well. But, Lance… Lance was different. He had always been different. Made him feel different. He wanted to have a different relationship with Lance, something beyond being just friends. Something more. But for now he would stay put. For now, just having Lance feel comfortable around him was enough.
Keith observed how Lance’s expression changed to one of shock. He looked flustered. He looked away for a second, at the wall to his left, taking in the posters littered on his wall. He quickly looked back to the book in his hands.
“Oh.. Sorry, I spaced out…”
Lance’s voice came soft, almost shy like. Keith couldn’t help the smile creeping way to his face. They locked eyes once more when Lance, almost defiantly, glanced up. They held eye contact for what felt like an eternity (it was a few seconds at best). Looking down to their respective literatures, they kept on working on their project. A silent question dangling over their heads. They would answer it some other time.
For now, they would freeze this time.
For now, they would finish their assignment.