(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]

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.]