(no subject)

[shutupandtrustme]

[Back when Lance got hurt, Keith kind of knew, even as he was getting pissed off at his soulmate for needlessly endangering himself, that he would do the same thing at some point. That Lance was going to be in danger and Keith was going to do something without thinking through the consequences and get hurt.

At least he saves it up for something important. Because they're ambushed on-planet and Keith doesn't even really consciously realize what he sees before he's knocking Lance out of the way of a shot that hits him in the side instead. Luckily for, well, everyone, it turns out not to be Galra attacking them, just locals that figured they could pick up some cash by bringing in the Paladins. Most of what they had on their side was the element of surprise, and once that's gone, it's not really that bad a fight. Someone else can figure out what to do with unconscious combatants when it's over, though, because Keith needs a minute or several to catch his breath.]

Comments

[shutupandtrustme]

You did. [admittedly with his Lion and not his actual body, but this time, Lance's actual body was in danger so that... balances out?

checkmate.]

[the_tailor]

That's not the point!

[He can't stand to see Keith injured, can barely keep a clear head as he pilots them back to the castle. Thankfully, Blue seems to be doing most of the work, because to hell if he can focus.

Lance is dashing to the med bay, yelling over the comms to Coran to get a healing pod ready for Keith.]

[shutupandtrustme]

Yes, it is. [because apparently he can still argue with Lance even when he's been shot.

But it is the point. It's the only point. It was going to hit Lance, and then it didn't. Greater crisis averted. Ideally, that could have happened without getting hit himself, but you can't win 'em all.]

[the_tailor]

Shut up. Just...shut up, I'll chew you out when you're healed.

[Lance will just be ignoring his own hypocrisy, thank you very much. Once they're in the med bay, he works at getting Keith's armor off and the podsuit on, trying not to freak out at the blood.]

[shutupandtrustme]

[For once, he actually does shut up, less out of some desire to do what Lance says (for once) and more because the shcok's starting to wear off and he's starting to realize how much getting shot actually hurt.

He still doesn't regret it. But on the bright side, look at how otherwise cooperative and quiet your soulmate's being, Lance.]

[the_tailor]

[Cooperative and quiet is a good thing normally. But not now. Lance sets Keith up in the pod, reaching up to press a gloved hand against his boyfriend's cheek.]

I'll wait here. Until you're healed. My stupid, stupid idiot.

[shutupandtrustme]

[He almost, almost objects this time to being called an idiot, but the pod shuts before he can get the thought together.

Spending time in the pod is... weird. He's asleep the entire time, but when he wakes up, he still feels as exhausted as if he'd spent the entire time awake. His side is healed, but there's still a dull ache and a scar left behind in the place of the wound. And he's still really only mostly conscious when the pod opens up and he goes stumbling out.]

[the_tailor]

[Lance doesn't leave the med bay aside from to shower. He's gone as far as to drag a sleeping bag (where he got it, he can't even remember) in there, because he can't stand the thought of not being there when Keith wakes up.

He's at least awake when Keith finally stumbles out of the healing pod, and scrambles to his feet just in time to catch him. Lance wants to yell at him, wants to cry, but right now, he just clings.]

[shutupandtrustme]

Lance. [It occurs to him on some level that hey, Lance is hugging him really tight and he's upset and, as his soulmate, Keith should maybe do something about that, once he gets his equilibrium back.] Hey?

[the_tailor]

Keith.

[Yeah. He's upset but also relieved, and almost in tears. Keith is alive and back and his arms and he couldn't feel more relieved.]

[shutupandtrustme]

[Keith isn't great with complex emotions like that, though. He ends up extracting an arm to pat Lance on the back a little awkwardly.] I'm okay.

[the_tailor]

[He rubs his face against Keith's shoulder, trying to wipe away the tears gathered at the corners of his eyes.]

Don't you ever do that again.

[shutupandtrustme]

[He can't promise that.

And if the same thing happened again, he'd push Lance out of the way again. He knows that. So instead of lying to make Lance feel better, he just holds on tighter and repeats:] I'm okay.

[the_tailor]

Keith. I can't... Without you, I...

[He makes a little sound akin to a whimper.]

I can't lose you.

[shutupandtrustme]

You won't. [Okay, now he's going to lie to make Lance feel better. Because he can't just say I can't lose you, either, even if it's true. Or admit that he's selfish enough that he'd rather be the one to die than have to figure out how to live without Lance after finally knowing what it's like to have something like this in his life.]

[the_tailor]

I'd better not. You're my other half, and I--I...

[Why has he been holding back on saying this? Lance wipes away the rest of his tears before looking up at him, taking a deep breath.]

I love you, Keith.

and then I got swallowed alive by schoolwork.

[shutupandtrustme]

[...Oh. He kind of freezes up because - he just wasn't expecting it, and hearing it said is... different than he thought it would be. He's not sure what he's supposed to say now. They're soulmates, it's not any big surprise to him or anything, he knows Lance cares, but -

He's not sure what to say, so he kisses Lance instead and hopes that's the right move.]

/peeeeets

[the_tailor]

[Of course, Lance would like to hear it back, but Keith is...Keith. And he doesn't expect for him to say it right away. Maybe not even ever. It's something he accepts, though, because he can almost feel the response itself in their kiss.

And kisses him he does, putting that love as much he can into it.]

[shutupandtrustme]

[When it's over, he tries to disentangle himself from Lance slightly because he needs a shower and a nap and something to eat, not necessarily in that order, and staying where he is isn't going to help with those goals.

He's still kind of wobbly-legged, though, so it's not like he's going far.] How long was I in there?

[the_tailor]

Not long. Too long for me, though.

[He ruffles his hair, stepping away but wrapping an arm around his shoulder.]

Come on. Let's get you to...uh, my or your room? I'll bring you something to eat when you shower.

[shutupandtrustme]

Mine. [Not that there's all that much effective difference between their rooms, given that they all have pretty much the same layout, but it's easier for getting something normal to change into.]

phew sorry work started and NYCC happened

[the_tailor]

[Lance nods and starts helping Keith walk back to his room. He holds him close, both for support and to feel him warm and steady against him. Keith is alive. Safe. Lance still needs the physical reminder.

He gives him a little kiss on the forehead once they make their way in.]

Think you're fine showering on your own?

[shutupandtrustme]

Yeah. I can handle it. [He's tired and sore, but not that tired and sore. He's pretty sure he can handle standing in water without accidentally killing himself.]