Chapter Text
“Keith!” Shiro’s voice rang from down the hall followed by his heavy footsteps. The house was not that big, Keith knew he only had seconds before he was walking into the room to which Keith had unfortunately left the door open.
Shiro had moved in with Allura a few months ago, why the fuck was he here. At 3 am no less.
Shiro rounded the corner into Keith’s room.
“What are you still doing up?” He filled the doorway with his massive form, standing with his arms crossed, still in his uniform. Badge and all.
“Reading.” Keith showed no emotion as he marked his place in the book he was holding. “What are you doing here?”
“It’s my house I can come and go as I please.” Shiro then proceeded to dive onto the bed next to Keith causing them both to bounce up wildly. A shit eating grin was spread across his face.
“It’s just weird you know since you live with Allura now.” Keith tossed his book back on the night stand and crawled off the bed. “So, what has cursed me with your presence?”
Shiro shrugged, “Can’t I come by to see my baby bro?”
Keith leaned to the side giving him a clear view of his clock. “At… 3:26 am, no, no you can’t.”
“Fine. I need a favor.”
“At 3:26 in the morning?” Keith deadpanned.
“Don’t start with me.” Shiro stood and ruffled Keith’s hair. “I’ve bailed you out of trouble plenty of times.” Keith swatted him away as Shiro continued. “If I was counting I’d say you owe me indefinitely.”
Keith shrugged, Shiro wasn’t wrong but Keith wasn’t going to give his brother the satisfaction by saying it.
Shiro paused a moment, “I need to rent out my room.”
“What?!” Keith practically yelled.
“SHH!” Shiro’s hand clamped over Keith’s mouth to silence anymore outbursts. “He’s in the living room. And don’t BITE!”
Keith gave him his best death glare as he released the skin of Shiro’s palm from his teeth. He secretly hoped it left a mark.
“Promise to keep it down and I’ll let go.”
Keith nodded while still glaring. Shiro had no idea how much this was going to fuck up Keith’s life. He valued his privacy and did not want to have to deal with a roommate. He was just no a people person.
“Look,” Shiro started without giving Keith a chance to protest once letting him go. “Lance needs a place to stay for the summer.”
“Lance?! As in Lance McClain?” Keith whisper harshly.
Not Lance. He could feel his heartbeat pick up speed at the mention of his name. He still wasn’t sure as to why that always happened.
“Yes,” Shiro inspected the red mark Keith left on his hand. “He was going to stay with Allura but that means sleeping on her couch. So, I said he can stay here.”
“Shiro you own this house in full you don’t need to rent it out to anyone, let alone Lance.”
Keith couldn’t have Lance as a roommate, he wouldn’t be able to keep it together, he could hardly stand to stay in the same room as Lance on the few occasions they had met. Which Keith could count on one hand.
“Well, he’s not exactly going to be paying rent.”
“Then why?” Keith was getting nervous just knowing Lance was in the other room. “You know he hates me.”
“He doesn’t hate you.” Shiro sighed, “His plans fell through and I don’t want him staying with us.” Shiro lowered his voice enough that Keith had to lean closer to hear his next words. “It’s a huge cock block to have your girlfriend’s best friend crashing on the couch all summer.”
Keith’s death glare was back.
“Morning sex Keith, it’s like the best way to start the day. DO NOT rob me of this.” Shiro was glaring right back.
The stare down lasted only a minute before Keith gave in. He knew it was a lost cause.
“Fine.”
----
Lance sat on the couch with his head in his hands. Allura rubbed small circles on his back as she sat next to him, grounding him. Her presence alone was what was keeping him from losing it.
He had called her after the fight with Lotor. He felt raw from all the hurtful words that had flew back and forth between them. It hadn’t been the first time, but he decide that it was going to be the last.
Normally he wouldn’t bother Allura with drama like this, but Hunk had gone home for the summer and Pidge lived with her brother. He needed a place to crash. Allura had seemed like the best option until Lance was remined that Shiro was now living with her.
He won’t admit that he was a bit mortified when Allura, with Shiro in tow, found him walking down the road at 2 am with tears streaming down his face. Too upset to even explain what had happened he just muttered that it was over. Allura, being the Goddess she was, knew what he meant and knew just what to do. She wasted no time ordering Shiro to take them to the nearest diner that had milkshakes.
Lance took a deep breath and lifted his head. The milkshake at the diner had calmed him down, but only just enough to get him here. Now that he was sitting in the living room of what he knows to be Shiro’s house, and he was panicking. Shiro said it was going to be fine. But. But…
How was he going to survive staying the summer with Keith Fucking Kogane.
Lance held the leftover milkshake letting the cold seep into his hands, focusing on it to push all his other emotions deep down. He will deal with those later.
Right now, he only wanted a place to sleep. To let everything go for tonight.
“It will be okay.” Allura broke the silence in the room. “Maybe even better than you think,” She plucked the shake out of his hands. “Shiro’s been a bit worried about Keith being alone. So, you’ll be doing him a favor really.” She sighed setting the shake on the coffee table. She eyed it only a moment longer before turning back to Lance. “Why don’t I show you to Shiro’s room, you can get some sleep and talk with Keith in the morning.”
Thank god, Lance didn’t want to face Keith tonight. He’s sure his face is a mess.
“Sure.” He tried not to sound so defeated but he couldn’t deny how beaten down he was.
Allura took his hand as she stood and lead him to the hall. Lance could see the light spilling from one of the rooms, must be Keith’s.
“First door on the right is the one and only bathroom, be nice and try not to hog it all to yourself.” She smiled.
Lance just huffed knowing he was going to take a long bath at some point. God, he hoped they had a big tub.
As they continued Lance made sure to stare straight ahead as they passed the open door. He didn’t look up to see what Keith and Shiro were doing but he could feel their eyes on him as he passed. Their voices coming to a halt.
Yeah, this was going to be fucking fun.
He dropped his bag on the bed and gave Allura one last hug reassuring her he would be alright.
He closed the door of the bedroom as quietly as possible. Leaning his back against the door he listened to the whispers and shuffling on the other side.
He slowly slid down to the floor as silent tears made their way down his face. He just let them fall.
The front door shut, and soft footsteps that could only belong to Keith, make their way down the hallway. He heard them pause before they faded away with the sound of another door closing.
Lance doesn’t move until the sun comes up.
Keith is already gone when he goes out to use the bathroom. Bless Shiro, the tub was massive.
Thankful that today was his day off Lance stripped off the stale clothes from yesterday and eased into a tub full of hot water. Slowly the tension released from his body. He frowned at Keith’s all-in-one body wash and shampoo. Thank god he brought his own stuff.
After he pulled on an old t-shirt and shorts. Pulling back the covers of the perfectly made bed he crawled in.
The tears made one more appearance, falling into the pillow as he fell asleep again.
____
Keith didn’t see Lance before leaving for work. Maybe he left a little too early to get coffee and was now an hour early for his shift. He wasn’t avoiding Lance, he was just giving him some space. Yeah, space.
As a mechanic for the precinct Shiro worked for no one cared if he was early.
His phone buzzed in his jacket pocket as he changed into his work clothes. Digging it out of his locker he saw Shiro’s name and let it go to voicemail.
Shiro’s name popped right back up as he called again.
“What?” Keith answered after it was apparent that Shiro wasn’t giving up.
“Keith, I can see you ignoring my calls.”
Keith spun around to the locker room door and sure enough Shiro’s glaring face filled the small window above the door.
Keith hung up on him as he hopped down and pushed his way in throw the door. He was in casual clothes not his officer uniform, but his badge was clipped to his belt.
“Didn’t think you would be in this early, doesn’t your shift start in like an hour or something?” Shiro leaned against the lockers.
“I came in early.” Keith shrugged his coveralls over his tank top.
“Why?”
“To… leave early.” Keith didn’t want to do this now.
“Not to avoid Lance?” Shiro smirked at him knowing the truth.
“No.”
“Ok, well I need your help. It’s work stuff so make sure you clock in.” Shiro sighed, “I’ll meet you by the tow truck.”
Ugh, Keith hated towing.
Shiro stood next to the flatbed truck and handed Keith the order for the pick-up.
“Alfor ordered this?” Keith question looking over the paperwork, because Chief Alfor never sent in the orders. The detectives did the orders.
“Well, it’s by Allura’s request.” Shiro shrugged and climbed into the cab.
Keith climbed in to the driver seat. “Why did Allura want a car picked up she’s forensics, don’t you the detectives do this stuff?”
“It’s Lance’s car Keith. Lotor did a number on it. That is why we had to pick him up last night.” Shiro pulled out aviators and Keith laughed because it was such a cliché.
“Oh, great.” Did everything have to be about Lance right now?
Shiro smiled, then continued to talk about a movie Allura and him saw. Keith welcomed the change in topic.
“Well shit.” Keith stood in front of what was Lance’s 04 Honda accord. He could see why Lance needed a ride. All four tires had been slashed, all the windows had been shattered, lights all smashed, and large dents in the sides showed that a bat had been used rather effectively.
Shiro snapped pictures of all the damage before Keith started loading it on to the flat bed. He wondered if it was this bad when Lance walked away from it.
“Allura is going to see if Lance wants to press charges, but she doesn’t think he will.” Shiro sighed as they got back in the truck.
“Bad breakup or something?” Keith must not have sounded as casual as he thought because Shiro sent him a questioning look before answering him.
“As far as I know.” Shiro shrugged but continued to eye Keith over his aviators. “Why’d you want to know?”
Keith shrugged and tried to play it off as if were nothing, but if Lance was available then maybe….
“I just want to know what I’m going to find when I get home.”
“You’ll find Lance pretending like nothing happened. So, don’t ask and be nice.” Shiro ordered.
“I’m always nice. He’s the one that starts shit with me.”
“No. You both rile each other up to the point of arguing and he doesn’t need that right now.” Shiro had started to use his dad voice. “Right now he needs a safe place. He won’t show it, but I think this breakup was a bad one. Worse than the one with Nyma.”
Keith didn’t see the aftermath of the breakup with Nyma, but he remembers how worried Shiro and Allura had been.
They pulled into the precinct and Keith started to unload the car. Shiro wanted to collect any other evidence from the inside.
“I’m going to break with Pidge, call when you’re done.” Keith called, Shiro who was already in the car waved him off as Keith headed out.
____
Lance woke up to the afternoon sun hitting his face. He forced himself out of bed and cleaned himself up. He made sure to text Allura and say he was fine. This was not like his other breakups.
This was different.
This time he was the one to walk away.
The house quiet. This was not as comforting as it should have been for he knew Keith was a rather quite person when he wasn’t fighting with him.
He could be lurking anywhere.
He slowly made his way to the kitchen, relaxed when he saw that no one else was home. He wasn’t hungry, so he skipped the fridge and started up the coffee maker.
A low growl sounded behind him as he put the coffee filters away.
Lance spun around to find a Bengal cat with green eyes sitting on the counter glaring at him. He studied her for a moment, she had a red collar with a name tag ‘Red’ on it.
What a lame name for such a beautiful cat.
“Well hello gorgeous.” He reached out to pet her but Red hissed and swatted at his hand. He snatched it back just in time to avoid her claws.
“I see you’re defiantly Keith’s cat.” He sent his own glare before turning and finding a cup.
He began to pour the coffee into his cup when he felt a set of paws and claws hit his shoulder then the searing pain burning his hand.
“AAHH” he ran to the sink to run cold water over the burn from the coffee. He turned and glared at Red who was perched back on the counter glaring at him again.
“What the hell?!” Lance dried his hands on a towel and inspected the burn. It was only a small red spot but the sting was still there.
Pointing at the cat and back at himself, “You and me are gonna have problems, and that is something I don’t need right now.”
His phone buzzed in his pocket, continuing to glare at the cat as he picked it up.
His tone may have been too harsh when he answered the phone, “Hello.”
“Hello, to you too, you sound delightful today.” sarcasm laced Allura’s voice.
“Sorry, I just had the pleasure of meeting Keith’s cat and now I have a burn on my hand.”
“What did you do? Red is an angel.” Allura laughed.
“No, she attached me while I was making coffee.”
“Lance she’s harmless.”
“Harmless! Keith, probably trained her to bite my head off.” Lance wiped up the spilled coffee and continued to fill his cup. Turning so he could keep Red in his sights.
“Oh, she will warm up to you, you just have to treat her right.”
“Allura you know I know how to treat a lady, but Satan’s feline is another issue.”
“I have faith that you will have her purring in your hands in no time, but I called for another reason.” Allura paused, “It’s about your car.”
“Oh, don’t worry about that just drop it off and I’ll get it fixed later.” Lance knew he needed new tires anyways, he could ride the bus and train until he got new ones.
“No, Lance it’s not just the tires.” It sounded like Allura was shuffling papers. “Is that all you saw before you left? Did you see Lotor slash your tires?”
There she goes acting like a cop. Shiro was probably asking Allura to do the questioning in hopes Lance would open up more, but he told them last night he wanted a clean break. He was not going to press charges, he just wanted Lotor gone.
“No, I didn’t see him do it,” and Lance hadn’t but he knows Lotor was trying to keep him there by destroying his means of escape. “but It’s fine, they were balding anyways.”
“But it was just the tires that were damaged when you left?”
Lance’s tone turned cold. “Yes, just the tires. What else?”
“Well, there is damage to the windows, the tail lights and head lights, dents in the body, the seats inside were slashed and that is just part of the cosmetic damage. There is sugar in the gas tank, the battery is missing, it looks as if the wiring has been ripped out and most of the fluids have been drained from hoses being cut.” Allura sighed. “The timing belt was even cut.”
“I don’t really know what a timing belt is but that doesn’t sound good.”
“Lance, I know you don’t want too, but you should press charges. Shiro thinks he’s got enough evidence and…”
“Fine.” He knew she wouldn’t let this go. “At least document this.”
“Ok,” Allura’s tone softened, “I’ll have Shiro bring by the paperwork tonight.”
“Can we do this tomorrow?” He still felt the strong need to be alone. He wasn’t ready to deal with people just yet. “I just need tonight to myself.”
“We can do that.” Another pause. “Are you doing ok?”
“I’m ok.” He assured her.
“Ok, call me if you need something, no matter what time.”
“Thanks, Allura.”
Lance pocketed his phone again.
Taking his coffee into the living room he sat down and thought over his plans. From the sound of it he would need time and money to fix his car. There was the bus, and he could get rides from Hunk when he got back.
Maybe Keith would help him out too… Nope not even gonna try.
Whatever, it didn’t matter how he got around, or how mad he was about it all. What mattered is that he was out of whatever it was he had with Lotor.
He jolted out of his train of thought as paws and claws hit the back of his head. Red jumped off him again.
That cat was out to get him.
____
Keith didn’t see Lance when he got home. He noticed the cup in the sink, so Lance must have come out at some point. Plus, Shiro mentioned that Lance had decided to press charges, so he had to have spoken to him sometime today. Keith was not sure if he should be concerned or not. Lance could take care of himself, but it was surprising the amount of damage done to Lance’s car.
That was not normal.
Keith met Lotor once. It had been the last time he had seen Lance a few months ago.
The group had gotten together for a night out and Shiro had dragged Keith along. Lance had brought Lotor with him.
Keith is still not sure what the guys deal was but after the introductions were done Lotor seemed possessive over Lance. Keith got the feeling that he was the cause of this as Lotor seemed to place himself between Keith and Lance, Lotor went as far as to answer for Lance anytime Keith asked a question.
To ease the situation Keith had removed himself from it. He chatted up some cutie at the bar than bailed. Not thinking twice about it.
But now, looking back he could see the red flags. Lotor’s behavior coupled with the damage to the car was bad.
Keith suddenly felt protective of Lance.
He needed to let out these weird feelings. Without wasting any time, he changed and headed to the basement where the weights sat and a punching bag hung over mats. A home gym Shiro insisted on having.
Keith plugged his earbuds in and started his routine with the punching bag. He won’t admit that he pictured Lotor’s face on it.
Keith hardly notices a couple hours go by.
Exhausted he heads back upstairs, showers, and settles on the couch with the book he’s trying to finish.
A meow sounded next to him. Red hops up into his lap and onto his shoulder. She makes herself comfortable as does Keith. Relaxing, he ignores the fleeting thoughts of the person in the other room. Without realizing he drifts to sleep slumped on the couch.
____
Lance’s stomach growled. He had been spent the better part of the night going over the list of damages to his car that Allura had sent him.
Even if he did the work himself it would cost thousands of dollars. Much more than the car was actually worth.
His stomach growled again, he hadn’t eaten all day. The problem was he still didn’t have an appetite and he had yet to pick up any food. Padding quietly to the kitchen he hoped Keith didn’t mind sharing his snacks for the night.
It was quiet, and Lance figured Keith was gone or in bed already.
He checked the fridge and found… nothing.
There was some ketchup and hot sauce packets in one of the drawers, half a stick of butter, and a jug of milk. The freezer had a package of frozen vegetables.
He moved to the cabinets. Ramen and Mac & cheese.
That is it.
What the fuck did Keith live off of?
He grabbed some ramen, then moved onto find something to cook with.
“What are you doing?”
Lance looked up from where he was pulling a pot from the bottom cabinet to find Keith standing in the doorway. He sleepily rubbed his face before settling into a glare aimed at Lance.
“Sorry didn’t mean to wake you.” Lance notice Red was standing on Keith’s shoulders glaring at him too. “I was looking for something to eat.” He held up a package of ramen, “I’ll pay you back.”
“You missed one.” Keith’s stated.
“One what?”
“Slamming the cabinets, sounds like you missed one.” Keith continued to glare.
“Oh, sorry, I’ll be quite…” Lance broke off when he glanced at the pot he was holding. “Keith do you cook?”
“Yeah.”
“That is not microwavable?”
Keith shrugged, “Yeah.”
Lance held up the pot, “This still has the price sticker on it.” He pulls out another pot, “My God they all still have them!”
Keith crossed his arms and huffed, “So, they’re Shiro’s, I’ve never used them.”
“Keith, I helped Allura pick these out for you guys two years ago!” Lance put the pots back. “How did you survive this long?”
“Microwave.”
Lance laughed giving up. “Whatever man, I’m cooking. Want some?”
Keith relaxed a bit. “Sure.” He pulled Red into his arms and held her close to his chest in one arm.
Lance is convinced the cat hates him, but she seems to soften Keith. Or at least he stopped glaring.
____
Keith watched as Lance pulled what looked like random things out of the cabinets and add them to the noodles in the pot.
He couldn’t see any rhyme or reason to it so he went back to his book on the couch.
Soon he noticed the smell coming from the kitchen. It was heavenly.
Ramen never smelled like that when he made it.
Lance sat two bowls on the table. “You don’t have much to work with, but I think I managed.”
Keith joined him. He studied the bowl in front of him.
It didn’t look like ramen, or at least normal ramen. There was veggies and a sauce. Ramen didn’t have sauce. He glanced up to Lance who was already digging in. Taking a chance he took a bite.
Keith mentally cursed every god he could think of. Ramen was now ruined for him.
There was just no way Keith would ever be able to make it taste this good. What hell did he put in this? What magic did he work to make these bland noodles taste so good? He was screwed.
Surprisingly it didn’t take long for Keith’s mind to switch from what Lance used, to how he can get Lance to cook for him. Like maybe he could fix his car and Lance could make dinner for them.
Lance quietly continued to eat unaware that he was ruining Keith’s life right now. He was on the opposite end of the table scrolling through his phone.
Keith push the thoughts of Lance in an apron out of his mind and ate as quickly as he could with out chocking. Focusing on his own phone next to him.
“Your cat doesn’t like me.” Lance broke the silence.
Looking up he saw Red perched on the table locked in a stare down with Lance. Keith had seen this behavior from her before.
“You pissed her off.”
“I haven’t done anything to her!” Lance broke eye contact with Red to glare at Keith.
That was a mistake.
Keith watched as Red launched herself from the table at Lance. She shoved off Lance’s arm, no doubt leaving scratches, then landed lightly on the floor and casually walked away as if nothing happened. Keith was a bit impressed that Lance managed to move his bowl in time and didn’t spill his dinner.
“SEE!” Lance glared after Red as she disappeared around the corner.
“Yeah. You pissed her off.” Keith smiled. It was funny to see her do that. Red takes a while to warm up to people, the only exception to this was Allura. Red loved her from the second she saw her. Keith was so jealous, but he now knows he’s Red’s favorite. She only cuddles with him.
Keith finished and cleared his plate, noticing Lance was done too he reached for the bowl. “Thanks, for dinner.”
Lance shrugged handing the bowl over. “No problem. Rooming with Hunk has its payoffs. I swear that man can create a masterpiece out of anything.”
“It was good.” Keith started the dishes.
“Do you want some help?” Lance followed Keith it the kitchen.
“No, you cooked I’ll clean.”
“Oh, okay. Well … Good night then.” Lance gave a small wave and backed out of the kitchen.
“Good night.”
____
A few days passed with Lance hardly seeing Keith. Even when he stopped by the precinct to check his car Keith was no where to be found.
“I’m sure with a bit of elbow grease that will buff right out.” Coran was saying as Lance inspected the large dent in the side of his car. “Nothing a little work can’t fix.”
Lance groaned in frustration. “I think this is beyond anything I could do Coran.”
Pressing charges didn’t do much, but Allura did find a lawyer for him so Lance could go after Lotor for damages. It just takes time and Lance would need his car back before school starts back up in a couple of months.
“I don’t know what to do.” Lance felt defeated.
“Come on now, it’s not as bad as you think. I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” Coran hit the button that pulled Lance’s car onto the flat bed. “Maybe Keith can help, if you ask nicely?”
Lance tried not to laugh. The two of them had hardly talked. The only text he had gotten from Keith was from this morning.
K: going to the store, leave a list if you want something
“I’ll drop it off at Shiro’s and you can decide what to do later.” Coran continued to tie down Lance’s car.
“Sure, Thanks Coran.”
He left the man to do his work and found himself in Allura’s lab.
“Lance, how are you?” Allura’s smile damn near shined. “I was just going to go find you, do you want to go to lunch?”
“Naw, I was gonna pick an extra shift at the café, but I wanted to say hi before leaving.”
“Oh well, then next time. Did Coran get things settled with your car?”
“Yeah, he’s dropping it off.” Lance sighed, “I’m gonna have to work for the rest of my life to get it fixed. Like what the hell, Lotor’s a maniac!”
Allura set her work aside giving Lance all of her attention. “He tricked us all Lance, He even seemed remorseful when Shiro brought him in. But I don’t buy it.”
“This was going to be a wonderful summer with my boyfriend now I’m serving a 3-month sentence with Keith.” Lance wanted to bang his head against a wall.
“How are things with Keith?” Allura smiled resting her chin on her hand.
Lance frowned, “Honestly, I haven’t seen much of him and his cat hates me.”
“Come on Lance I thought you knew how to treat a lady.” Allura laughed. “Red just needs time to get used to you.”
“She is the spawn of Satan. Look at my ARMS!” Lance thrust his arms out to show the scratches up and down them. He was taking a beating from Red catapulting her self off him every chance she got.
“Oh dear.” Allura inspected his arms. “You’ve really angered her. She hasn’t done this since Keith got her.”
“Great. First the mullet hates me and now his cat. I’m out numbered Allura.”
“Lance you’ll be fine and Keith doesn’t hate you.” She turned back to her computer.
“Whatever…Well, I gotta go. Work and all.” Lance gave her one last smile then left.
The shift at The Balmara Café was short. Lance was only able to pick up a few extra hours on what would have been his day off, but he needed the money so he would take whatever he could get.
Traveling by bus took a lot longer than he thought it would and the house was quite when he go back late in the evening.
He really hadn’t figured out Keith’s schedule yet but figured he would’ve been home by now. Lance was just about to text Keith when he heard the front door. He got to the kitchen just in time to see Keith drop a few grocery bags on the counter and begin to put things away.
Lance raised a brow at the bags.
“Did you get any of my stuff?” Opening a bag to only find Mac & Cheese and Ramon.
“What?” Keith turned from the fridge.
“The list I left you?”
Keith glared “What the fuck are you talking about?”
“My list Keith. I left a list and a 50 on the counter this morning.” Lance slammed his hand down, “Right here.”
Keith glared at his hand. “There was nothing there when I left.”
“Yes, there was, I left it right here!”
“There was no fucking list Lance!” Keith slammed the fridge closed.
“Well, what the fuck Keith?! You got some list stealing gremlins around here or something?!”
Keith froze mid reach pulling a cup of noodles out of a bag. “No, but there is a fucking cat.” He slammed the noodles down on the counter and stormed down the hall. “RED!”
Lance followed, “What!?”
“RED, YOU INSUFFERABLE FURBALL WHERE ARE YOU?!”
Lance watched as Red darted under the couch Keith right behind her.
“Where’d she go?”
Lance pointed to the couch amused with the situation. He must have been showing it because Keith glared at him before looking under the couch.
“Yeah laugh it up Lance it’s your money she stole.”
“Shit.” Lance took to the other side of the couch in hopes of cornering Red.
She was too fast and darted into the kitchen. Lance could see the green paper held in her teeth.
Keith followed skidding around the island as Lance took the other side to try to cut her off. Lance grabbed for her as she headed straight for him but missed. Keith crashed into his back and they tumbled to the floor.
“Damnit” Keith shoved off of Lance and scrambled back to his feet.
He cornered Red in the living room but she was fast and escaped between Keith’s feet.
She made for the kitchen again.
Lance, still on the floor, reached out just in time to grab one of her back legs and instantly regretted it. Red squirmed and sank her claws into his hand as she tried to get away.
“OW! KEITH! Get her!”
Keith seemed to take his time in the few steps over to Red and scooped her up by her scruff. He stared her down as she tried to hiss without dropping the bill.
“Give it.” Keith sternly ordered as he pried the bill from Red’s teeth careful not to rip it. Once free he dropped it into Lance’s now scratched up hand.
Lance uncrumpled the bill thankful it was still intact and usable.
“You little asshole.” Keith cooed, voice filled with so much affection that had Lance to looking up at them. Keith was now cradling Red to his chest and scratching her belly as she pawed his face.
It was adorable.
Keith nuzzled her on the head before setting her down and watching her dart off down the hall. The smile on Keith’s face was so tender it caused Lance to pause. He silently wished it would stay.
“Probably should’a told you she likes paper.” Keith extended his hand to Lance, smile gone. “You can’t leave any kind of paper out or she’ll shred it.”
Lance huffed a laugh, taking Keith’s hand as he stood, “Well I guess my list is confetti now then.”
“Yah, your lucky bills are not her favorite.” Keith went back to putting his groceries away. “Next time you leave me a note put in the fridge or just text me.”
“Sure. Guess I’ll go to the store tomorrow, to get real food.” He glanced down at the bag Keith was pulling another bag of noodles out of. God, did he eat anything else?
Keith paused, “Can… Can you make that stuff again… with the noodles?”
Lance smiled at his shyness, he couldn’t help but find it well …cute.
Lance swallowed down his thoughts “Sure thing man, let me see what you got.”
A small smile formed on Keith’s lips as he nodded and continued to put things away.
Lance certainly did not keep looking at Keith as he gathered the things he had used for the dish a few days ago. There was just enough to make dinner for them tonight.
____
Keith had cleaned the dishes from dinner and tried not to pay attention to Lance. He was just not used to having another person around let alone Lance. The other tended to grab Keith’s attention not matter what he did. Finishing up his task he then sat at the table with one of Shiro’s Criminal Justice books that he left at the house.
“What you got there?” Lance was curiously watching Keith from the living room.
“A book.” Keith was trying to concentrate on the paragraph he was reading and not the way Lance got up and moved to look over his shoulder.
“That’s a pretty hefty book than what I’ve seen you read. You goin’ to school too?” Lance had leaned into Keith’s space a little more than what he thought was necessary.
“No.”
Lance huffed and continued read over Keith’s shoulder “Criminal Justice huh?”
Keith just nodded and made a show of continuing to read trying to concentrate. If he didn’t engage in the conversation then maybe Lance would give up on his questioning and go away.
But no he wouldn’t because he’s Lance.
“What’s your deal, are you studying to become a cop or something?” Lance huffed crossing his arms over his chest. Clearly frustrated with Keith’s contribution to the conversation. Or lack thereof.
Keith eyes slid shut with a defeated sigh.
“Oh MY GOD YOU ARE! Keith, my man, THAT IS AWESOME!”
He was thrown off guard by Lance’s outburst, this was not the reaction he had been expecting nor that Lance would guess that so quickly. “W..What?”
“What do you mean WHAT? Keith this is so cool, is Shiro helping you?” Lance eagerly sat in the chair next to Keith. Chin resting in his hand waiting for Keith to answer.
“N..No… Shiro doesn’t know and I’d prefer him not to.” Keith wasn’t sure why he needed to hide this from Shiro, he just didn’t want him meddling.
“WHAT why not? He’s like your in. Like he can get you the job no problem.” Lance’s hands waved dramatically in front of him.
“And forever be the guy that got the job because of his brother? Just ...no.” Keith went back to reading.
The silence that followed was unexpected. Keith glanced back up to find Lance staring at him intently.
“What?”
“I think I get it.” Lance shrugged.
How could he get it when Keith didn’t fully understand why himself?
“I mean..” Lance fidgeted, “no one likes to live in another person’s shadow. Sometimes there are things you just have to do yourself.”
Keith was surprised at how easily Lance put it into words. He had been feeling guilty not telling Shiro his plan to apply to the precinct, but this is something Keith has to do for himself.
“Thanks, Lance.”
Lance stood, “No problem, and I won’t mention it to anyone.” Lance walked back into the living room.
Keith went back to his book trying to absorb as much as possible so that when the time does come he will be ready for the interview.
____
Lance did not spend half the night picturing Keith in a police uniform. He didn’t.
He most certainly didn’t picture him on a police motorcycle with the helmet and aviator sunglasses. He just didn’t.
He was concentrating really hard on mapping out the fastest route to the café in the morning. After spending an abnormally long time staring at the maps online only half seeing them he thinks he found the best route. He could take the bus and the tram to get to the café. If he got ahold of a bicycle then that should help cut the time down, but then he would be sweaty for work and wasn’t sure that would go over well.
The next morning he certainly didn’t have to push the thought of Keith with cuffs out of his mind as he got into the shower. He didn’t.
The shower did little to help him wake up. He was still drying his hair as he padded into the kitchen and paused as he saw the familiar sight of Red perched on the counter.
This was an ongoing battle with her as she pounced him every morning after he made coffee, leaving behind new scratches on his already abused shoulders and arms.
But this morning Lance was in luck.
Keith was already beginning the process of making coffee.
Lance eyed Red as she watched Keith with a patience that she never showed with Lance. Keith finished filling the coffee maker with grounds and water before starting it up. This was normally the point when Red would attack but she didn’t. She didn’t make a single move to pounce Keith.
Lance was about to scare Red off out of irritation when Keith pulled an extra coffee filter out of the bag, crumpled it up and tossed it on the counter next to Red. Red jumped excitedly at her new prize and swatted it around the counter before it fell off and she chased after it.
Lance just stood in shock watching Red play on the floor with the crumpled coffee filter.
“Good morning.” Keith finally notice Lance standing in the doorway.
“How did you do that? She didn’t pounce you?” Lance exclaimed.
“What?”
“Red, she didn’t attack you!”
“No,” Keith shrugged then paused while putting the coffee filters away. “Wait has she been doing it every time you make coffee?”
“YES! And ALL day ANY chance she gets!” Lance huffed and yanked the cabinet with the coffee cups open. He pulled out two cups for them, one red that he noticed Keith used the most, and a blue one he had found in the back of the cabinet.
Keith giggled. Strait up giggled and Lance thought his heart might have stopped.
“The filters are paper,” He giggled again, “Red gets one every morning as kind of a prize. No wonder she’s been so mean to you.”
Lance arched a brow at Keith, “So this goes with the whole paper thing that you forgot to tell me to begin with.”
“Yeah, sorry I shoulda’ told you.” Keith poured coffee for both of them.
“So like what happens with it now, is she going to shred it and leave it on my pillow?” Lance glared into the living room where Red had dissapperred.
“No, she hides them under my bed, I sweep them out on the weekend. They make good kindling for the fire pit out back.” Keith shrugged.
“You have a fire pit! Man I’m so gonna get marshmallows!” Lance squealed, he hadn’t had roasted marshmallows in years.
“Shiro keeps a bag in the pantry for that. So maybe we can.” Keith brushed by Lance leaving him in the kitchen.
Lance had made it halfway to the café before he realized what a horrible mistake he had made. Heading to the bus stop when he heard the last voice on Earth that he wanted to hear.
“Lance, I’ve tried to call you.” Lotor was standing in front of him all fake, sad smiles. “I’ve missed you.”
“Wouldn’t know, I blocked your number.” Lance was kicking himself for not realizing that this was the street that had all the high-end clothing stores. One of which is where Lotor currently worked as a manager.
Lotor pouted, “Now is that anyway to treat your boyfriend?”
He was trying to block Lance’s way on the sidewalk. Preventing Lance from getting to the bus stop where he needed to catch the next ride in order to make it the café in time.
“Lotor I currently don’t have a boyfriend.” Lance tried to push past but Lotor sidestepped blocking him again.
“Lance please, we had such a beautiful thing why would you throw that all away?” Lotor tried grabbing onto Lance’s hand but he managed to step back out of reach.
“You threw it away months ago when you started trying to control me.” Lance spat. “I will not let you manipulate me anymore.” Lance pushed past with enough force to send Lotor stepping back.
“Look at you, running from your problems again.” Lotor retorted. “No one else is going to put up with you like I do. We were meant to be together.”
Lance didn’t respond, didn’t look back at whatever con Lotor was trying to pull on him this time. He made it to the bus stop just as the bus arrived and waisted no time climbing in.
From his seat he could see Lotor watching from the sidewalk but making no move to chase after him. He saw no remorse or sadness, only a calculating gaze. The same gaze Lance saw before his tires were slashed.
Shay was hovering. Lance had explained what had happened on his way in and now Shay was being a protective momma bear as well as the manager of the Balmara Cafe. She and Hunk had been dating for about a year and it seems that his protective nature had rubbed off a bit on her.
“I’m fine.” Lance said for what was probably the millionth time during his shift.
“You are not walking all the way to Shiro’s house Lance.” Shay said again as he hung up his apron.
“I’ll find another route to the house.” Lance tried to shrug it off in hopes Shay would relax a little bit. “It’s really not that far.”
“No Lance, you can call someone. There has to be someone you can call.” She said.
Lance made a show of pulling out his phone, “Okay, I’ll text Allura, I’m sure she can pick me up.”
L: Hello beautiful
He didn’t have to wait long for a reply.
A: Yes?
L: you know you are a goddess
A: What do you want Lance?
L: Shay won’t let me walk home
L: can I get a ride
A: I’m all tied up right now. Let me see if I can send Shiro.
No no no no no Lance did not want Shiro, he was still embarrassed about being picked up that night a cry mess. He did not want the pitying looks from the other man let alone a ride home in his squad car.
L: NO you don’t have to send Shiro Im sure hes busy
L: Allura Im good I’ll get a ride
L: ALLURA!!!!!!
A: Shiro is busy.
OH thank God.
A: Keith’s on his way.
Damnit.
L: its not a big deal Im fine now
A: He said he would be there in a few.
L: no really Allura Im fine now tell him not to come
A: I’ll call you when I’m off tonight and let me know if the helmet fits.
L: What?!
L: ALLura!
Lance buried his face into his hands. He did not want to have to rely on others for rides right now especially from Keith.
“Did you find a ride home?” Shay was asking from the front counter.
Lance let his head drop back and hit the wall he was leaning against. “Yeah.”
“Good, Hunk would be so mad if I let you take the bus after what happened.” Shay smiled. “Gotta keep an eye on you when he’s gone.”
Hunk and Shay had been dating since last fall. In Lance’s mind they were the perfect couple, like high school sweethearts.
“I respect that,” Lance smiled, “But I’m fine, really.”
She didn’t look like she believed him.
Lance found a spot out front to sit, thankful that it was the slow part of the day and only a few people trickled in and out while he waited.
Lance was checking the bus schedules again trying to map out a different route when the he heard the chime of the door followed by Shay’s excited voice.
“Keith! I haven’t seen you in forever, how are you?” She ran around the counter and gave Keith a quit hug.
Keith returned the hug with one arm as he was holding two helmets in his other hand.
Lance swallowed. That’s right Keith rode a bike everywhere. That’s what Allura meant.
“I’m good Shay.” Keith looked up and caught Lance’s eyes, “Lance, you ready?”
“Oh your Lance’s ride? That’s good.” Shay released Keith and glanced at Lance. “I was gonna worry all day after what happened.”
Keith frowned, “What happened?”
Lance had already gathered his things and was sliding out of the booth he was in.
“Nothing to worry about mullet.” Lance tried to brush it off.
“He had a run in with Lotor.” Shay supplied.
Keith’s face actually looked concerned.
“You okay?” He stepped closer to Lance, his eyes never leaving Lance’s face.
Lance hoped Keith couldn’t see how he really felt about the encounter Lotor. Like screaming at the top of his lungs then curling into a ball on the floor.
“Fine. Don’t worry about it.” Lance glanced down at the helmets. “Is one of those for me?”
Keith seemed to study him a moment longer before handing him the blue helmet, keeping the red one for himself.
“Have you been on a bike before?” Keith watched Lance place the helmet on his head. Lance knocked on the hard side and smiled back at Keith. He was pleased to see him relax slightly.
“See ya tomorrow Shay.” Lance waved to her and started towards the door.
“See you later. Both of you be careful!” Shay gave them both a quick hug and returned to the counter.
“Will do.” Keith followed Lance out the door.
Lance headed to the only bike parked out front. It was so obviously Keith’s.
Shiny red paint, with black trim, it just looked like it could go 0 to 60 without even trying.
Lance started fumbling with the straps of his helmet.
“So I take it that you haven’t ridden a bike before.” Keith watched Lance struggle.
“Well, no, but it can’t be too hard. Like riding a bicycle.” Lance was still trying to get the strap hooked on.
“Hold still.” Keith stepped in close pushing Lance’s hands away. He froze as Keith expertly adjusted the straps and snapped them together then wiggled the helmet to test it’s fit. Keith adjusted the strap one more time before stepping back and placing his own helmet on.
“You’ll need to hold on tight and lean with me. Got it?” Keith swung a leg over and straddled the bike.
“Got it.” Lance regained his composure and swung his leg over sitting behind Keith. He grabbed on to the sides of Keith’s jacket.
“Your gonna have to hold on tighter if you want to stay on.” Keith turned the key and the engine roared to life.
Lance repositioned his hands on Keith’s waist but it wasn’t enough. With a huff Keith grabbed both of Lance’s hands pulling him forward until Lance was flush against Keith’s back and wrapped his arms around Keith’s stomach.
Satisfied with Lance’s new position he took off down the street, Lance holding on for dear life.
____
Keith may have been driving a bit faster than he normal. He was enjoying the feeling of Lance’s arms around him and how they tighten an a quick turn. The down side was that because he was driving faster the ride ended a bit sooner than Keith wanted.
Keith pulled his bike into the garage, right next to where Lance’s car now sat.
Keith smiled a little when Lance’s grip did not loosen until the sound of the engine died. He felt Lance let out a breath of relief before getting off the bike.
“Thanks, for the ride.” Lance fumbled a bit with the straps but was able to release the helmet from his head without Keith’s help. Much to Keith’s disappointment.
“No problem.” Keith took his helmet off and shook out his hair. He turned to find Lance staring at him. “If you need me to pick you up again I can. Just ask.”
“Naw, I’m already invading your space I’m not going to ask you to be my uber too.” He held out the blue helmet to Keith.
Keith made no move to take it. “Keep it. I…I’m serous, just let me know and I’ll pick you up.”
Lance’s gaze fell to the car behind Keith and he swore he could see Lance’s façade break a little. His eyes darkened and a look of frustration glanced over his face but it was gone within a second.
Lance held the helmet to his chest. “Thanks.”
Lance was scarce the rest of the day, Keith could hear him talking to what he assumed was Allura on the phone from behind the closed door of Shiro’s room. His muffled voice drifted down the hallway every now and then when Lance got a little too load. Keith did his best to respect his privacy and stayed in the living room. He curled up on the couch and found a good documentary to keep him occupied.
____
The talk with Allura was what Lance needed to set his head strait. She had ended the conversation with the promise of drinks on the weekend. Lance just had to make it through one more day of work, though she insisted that Lance get a ride and avoid the buses for now.
This had Lance finally emerging from his room since he and Keith go home a few hours ago. He would swallow his pride and ask Keith for a ride to work tomorrow. He did tell Lance to ask if he needed to, he insisted it.
The TV was on in the living room playing some documentary on the Jersey Devil. He snorted at Keith’s choice of entertainment.
Lance could see his mullet over the back of the couch. “Hey man, I…”
His words died as he rounded the front of the couch and found Keith fast asleep. His knees were tucked up under him, side propped on a pillow and Red curled up in his lap.
Lance melted.
He couldn’t disturb someone looking so peaceful, besides he didn’t want to know what Red would do if he woke her.
Padding back to his room he grabbed an extra blanket Shiro had said was in his closet. Making it back to the living room he managed throw it over Keith with out waking him. Red however glared at him with one eye open but made no other move. He turned the volume down a bit on the TV but left it on before returning to his room for the night. He could talk to Keith in the morning.