Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

1.

It was just a regular afternoon.

Lance was on his bed, a book propped up against his knees. The autumn breeze caused goose-bumps to rise all over his skin, but he didn’t want to move away from the comforting, steady warmth of Keith’s back.

He wished he could stay like this forever, but a glance at the clock on his bedside table revealed time was up for now. Keith must’ve been so focused on his own readings he lost track of time. It made Lance smile.

Even though he didn’t want their time together to be interrupted, Lance knew he had to point it out.

He nudged Keith with one elbow and asked, “Don’t you have training? You’re the captain, you can’t skip.”

The sound of Keith shuffling for his phone, then sighing.

“You’re right,” Keith said. “I gotta hurry if I don’t wanna run extra laps.”

“Well, go on, then,” Lance said. He reached for the cute Sylveon bookmark by his feet to mark the page. “While you’re out there sweating, I’m gonna take a break and chill.”

A low chuckle. Lance had always loved that sound and wished he was still against Keith’s back so he could feel the rumble go through him.

Keith said, “Sure, you do that. Are you still gonna pick me up when we’re done?”

Lance pretended to think for a moment. “If you take a shower, I might consider it.”

“Hey, you know that was one time.” Keith huffed, but with an audible smile. The mattress squeaked softly with his movement. “Alright, I better run. See you later.”

“Yeah, see you later.”

Lance turned to watch as Keith grabbed his gym bag and walked to the door. He smiled when Keith turned his head to look back at him, lips quirking up, right before he stepped out of the room.

Once the door was shut again, Lance finally stood to close the tilted window. Then, just when he wanted to flop down with a sigh, something bright red contrasting light blue caught his eyes.

It was Keith’s varsity jacket. The one he never, ever parted with like a stereotypical jock. But now he’d left it right here, in Lance’s room, on his bed.

Lance’s heartbeat sped up.

On his knees, he edged over to the foot-end. His fingers hovered over the jacket, hesitating. He took a deep breath, picked up the jacket, and hugged it to his chest.

He closed his eyes when he buried his face in the collar. Keith’s scent: a perfect mix of his lemon-fresh 2-in-1 body and hair wash, the detergent he used, and something tangy that was so him. Lance always scolded him for using a combined product, but truthfully, he loved Keith’s smell, and loved nuzzling into his hair.

Lance knew he should run after Keith to give his jacket back or at least neatly hang it over his desk chair. However, his brain was currently on vacation all the way up on cloud nine.

His heart continued beating fast when he slowly slipped his arms into the sleeves then fell back against his pillow. He grabbed his blue lioness plushie for a hug. The high-pitched squeal was muffled by the fabric.

It had taken him a while to admit he had a crush on the soccer captain. From the beginning, then blossoming stronger with every moment they spent together. But he remained shy about making his feelings known, even to this point.

He sighed and put on some cheerful music. He stared up at the ceiling and just let his mind wander.

Lance knew exactly how long soccer practice went. He loved watching whenever he could. Other times, he came to pick Keith up, especially when they planned to study together.

When he jumped up to leave for the soccer field, Lance couldn’t tell whether the time had passed too soon or too slow.

At first, he meant to take the jacket off, keep it his little secret that he had worn it. In the end, he didn’t want to take it off. He couldn’t help but wonder how Keith might react.

They had grown so close; Lance often felt like they were dating. If Keith responded positively, the hints might be real.

The whole way, he was met with double-takes and stares. Lance didn’t care, smiled to himself as he walked with a spring in his step. Walking around in Keith’s varsity jacket, wearing Keith’s name on his back, it was exciting. If it felt like this now, how exhilarating would it be if they were official?

He reached the soccer field a little early and leaned against the wall. When the door to the locker rooms finally opened, he smiled, eyes immediately searching for Keith.

Keith smiled back at him, and it made his heart do a happy dance.

He loved all of Keith’s smiles, be it a lopsided quirk of the lips, a confident smirk, or a wide smile full of warmth. Right now, it was a case of the latter. Whenever Lance caught one of those smiles directed at him, he felt like melting. Making Keith smile was a fantastic feeling, considering how guarded he’d been when they first met. But causing that smile was something entirely else. It made him feel like he was the center of the world, and no one else seemed to receive this smile.

Lance stepped away from the wall. His gaze was focused on Keith, but he could see his teammates nudging each other.

It was like Lance could see the gears turning inside Keith’s brain when he gaped in surprise.

Finally, Keith said, “Oh. That’s where my jacket went.”

“Yeah. You left it on my bed earlier, so it’s only fair I get to wear it.” Lance grinned, aiming for playful innocence. “Why? Want it back?”

Keith gave Lance a once-over, quick but intense like his eyes wanted to commit Lance’s image to perfect memory. “Nah. Keep it.”

“Awesome.”

The grin stayed on Lance’s face when he fell into step next to Keith. Their knuckles brushed, and he wished Keith would reach out to take his hand because he’d never have the guts to do it himself.

He casually remarked, “You know, I should snatch your clothes more often. Red looks better on me than I ever thought it would.”

Even though he had hoped for it, Lance was still taken by surprise when Keith agreed. “Yeah, it does. It looks amazing on you.”

To keep up the game, Lance asked, “Is that an invitation to borrow from your closet whenever I feel like?”

He looked at Keith, raising an eyebrow.

Keith glanced over at him and shrugged. “Sure. Do what you gotta do.”

His grin was back in full force. “Nice. I can totally pull off the edgy jock look.”

Keith chuckled before he pointed out, “Except everyone knows it’s mine because my name’s on it. And I’m not edgy.”

“Still looks great on me. And yes, you are. You’re the edgiest jock, ever.”

“I’m not edgy!” Keith huffed. “Can’t argue with the rest, though. You look great in anything.”

Lance was lost for a witty response at the repeated compliments. He didn’t have to react, though; there was a cough behind them. When he and Keith both turned around, Keith’s teammates looked at them in amusement.

One of the guys said, “Look, we’re happy for you, but you two are giving us diabetes.”

“Yeah, not everyone here is into PDA. Get a room,” another added.

“What? What’re you talking about?” Keith asked.

When Lance glanced at him, he saw the furrowed eyebrows as if he couldn’t make any sense of their words. Lance, however, put the pieces together from how the soccer players had reacted before.

As if on cue, another voice chimed in, “We know you’re dating, but there’s a time and place for everything.”

While he wished they were, Lance knew they weren’t.

He said, “We aren’t dating!”

At the same time as Keith did.

Lance glanced at Keith, and Keith glanced at him. When they caught each other’s gazes, they both hastily looked in the other direction. The guys just gave them unimpressed stares.

Keith huffed and said, “Come on, let’s go.”

He took Lance’s hand to pull him along without even waiting for a reply. Lance’s heart rate increased at his wish fulfilling so suddenly. Who knew that all it would take was for a bunch of jocks to imply they were a couple?

“That’s not very convincing, you know!”

“You aren’t helping your case!”

The shouts reached their ears, but neither he nor Keith said anything. They continued walking in silence, with Keith barely slowing down until they reached their dorms. He never let go of Lance’s hand, all the way until they were back in Lance’s room.

Lance was dying to know what Keith was thinking right now. He couldn’t help the little stab of disappointment in his chest at Keith’s denial, but at the same time, hope continued to simmer inside his heart at Keith’s reactions.

2.

Following their conversation that afternoon, Lance started to snatch clothes from Keith’s closet. He went for anything: sweatpants, t-shirts, hoodies, and wore them until they stopped smelling like Keith. The comfort they gave was incredible.

But most of all, he took Keith’s varsity jacket whenever he caught Keith taking it off. He reveled in the stares and whispers and how Keith looked at him with a spark in his eyes every time he wore it.

They never talked about the soccer team believing they were dating. It was like Keith was pointedly ignoring the possibility while Lance didn’t dare bring it up. And yet, Keith continued giving him all these gazes, the warmest smiles. He played along to Lance’s attempts at flirting, gave more compliments at any point.

So far, no one had made the assumption in Lance’s presence alone. He was glad about it; after all, he would have to deny it, like they both had in front of the soccer team. Right now, he could indulge himself in imagining what it was like if they were dating. That by wearing Keith’s varsity jacket, his name on his back, he was shouting it to the whole world.

Just a short while after the first incident, Lance was running late to meet his friends. After class, a professor had wanted to speak with him, and Lance couldn’t just walk away. It wasn’t anything serious, though Lance tried to keep the conversation as short as possible.

When he was finally able to leave, he went straight to one of the lounge rooms.

Whenever Lance caught his own reflection in the window, he had to grin. He really looked good in Keith’s jacket. It felt so right.

Once he arrived at the lounge, he squeezed himself next to Keith.

Keith instantly inched closer to the armrest to make more room for both of them to sit comfortably, without a word of complaint.

The first to speak with everyone now aware of Lance’s presence was Pidge. “Oh, you’re here.”

Jeez, what kind of greeting was that?

“Hello to you, too,” he said. “I got held up. Anyway, have anything for me?”

“Nope,” Allura replied. “You’re late, and we didn’t know what you wanted.”

“What? That’s not fair!” Lance whined.

“We actually thought you weren’t coming at all,” Hunk admitted.

“I can’t believe you’re so heartless. I thought we were friends.”

Lance was playing dramatic, of course, but he was a bit hurt. Did they really think he hadn’t planned to hang out and not tell them about his change of mind? Did they assume he wouldn’t have wanted anything? It’s not like Lance expected them to give him free food—he would’ve paid them back!

Even with his dramatic antics, he was caught by surprise when Keith shoved his large cup of iced coffee and one of his donuts in front of him.

He looked at Keith.

“Here you go,” Keith said.

He tried to act casual, but his eyes, stormy as ever, showed everything: underlying annoyance. Warmth for Lance; the honesty of his gesture.

Though Lance could read his intention, he asked, “Are you sure?”

“Would I offer otherwise?” Keith countered. Then, he continued with a half-smirk, “You already share my clothes, why not my food and coffee?”

“If you put it that way…”

Lance finally smiled and took a long sip from the iced coffee before taking a hearty bite from the donut. His heart made a jump when he realized that it was a vanilla cream donut—his favorite.

Keith had bought double for him. It was the only explanation for the undisguised warmth in his gesture. No matter if he tried to brush it off as nothing, Lance’s heart felt full.

He watched as Keith took a sip from the drink like it was the most normal thing for friends to share a straw.

As nonchalantly as he could, he said, “You know that’s like an indirect kiss, right?”

Keith returned his look with an eyebrow raised. “Really? Guess we also share kisses now.”

Lance couldn’t keep himself from giggling at Keith immediately playing along. When Keith smiled at him like he always did, looking proud of himself at the same time, butterflies fluttered all over Lance’s chest and stomach. It took a moment longer than usual for the giggles to subside because he felt so giddy.

When they finally did, he looked across the table and said, “Anyway, friendship ended with all of you. Except for Keith. Keith is now my best friend.”

“Don’t you mean boyfriend?” Pidge said in a deadpan voice. “He already had the big upgrade.”

Lance felt like screaming internally, and his cheeks felt warm. Now his own best friends, too, thought that he and Keith were dating? Did they really appear so obvious?

He wanted to confirm so badly, but he squeaked out, “What?! No! When I say best friend, I mean best friend!”

Allura and Hunk looked entirely unimpressed.

Allura said, “You share armchairs—which not even Hunk and I do, I might add. Lance keeps taking Keith’s clothes, most of all his varsity jacket, the epitome of cliché boyfriend jacket. Now, you share food and talk about kisses.”

Hunk concluded, “Those are all pretty clear signs of dating each other. We would know; we went through most of these. The ones that apply, anyway. I’m not a jock, so I don’t have a varsity jacket for Allura.”

“We aren’t dating!” Keith and Lance exclaimed at the same time, just like before.

Like that time, they exchanged a glance, only to look anywhere but each other a second later.

With a shrug, Pidge said, “Whatever you need to tell yourselves to sleep at night.”

Lance realized he had to be prepared to keep denying it, even if in his head, he indulged himself in the idea it was true. He would have to keep ignoring the stab he felt whenever they both denied a relationship that seemed to be there all along.

He held onto to the glimmer of hope that maybe they would talk about it and make it official.

3.

By the time spring approached, Lance had started to find it harder and harder to deny a relationship.

Sure, they had been touchy-feely for a long time. Lance continued taking Keith’s clothes, and though he made sure to give his jacket back whenever it stopped having Keith’s scent, it looked like it was glued to Lance’s body.

Keith provided food for Lance without any prompt to do it as if he had a sixth sense for when Lance was hungry. Even when Keith presented the snacks without a word or with his resting-serious-face, it left Lance feeling flustered and loved.

However, what took the cake was a routine that started the first Thursday of the new semester.

When Lance found out he had a class that went into the night and was located at the other end of campus, he was a little annoyed but would’ve managed somehow.

Keith was with him when they looked at their new schedules. Lance wondered if he had picked up on the slight frown on Lance’s face, if that was what made him lean over to check Lance's timetable.

To Lance’s surprise, Keith immediately announced, “I’m gonna pick you up from that evening class.”

Lance had tried to reject at first, but Keith argued he was out that late for practice, anyway, so Lance agreed. It had just been a front, anyway. Knowing that Keith wanted to go the extra mile for him filled Lance with such incredible warmth, he thought he was gonna catch a fever.

Keith acted like such an attentive boyfriend the denial was maddening.

One time, Lance had trouble staying focused on his evening class.

He was tired because thoughts about Keith had kept him awake for a while. Even aside from the butterflies in his stomach, Lance was glad that Keith was coming to pick him up because walking home all alone wouldn’t be so fun when he was sleepy. The only thing keeping him awake right now was doodling on his notes and fidgeting with his bracelet of stars aligned in the trans pride flag.

About five minutes before class ended, the light on Lance’s phone signaled an incoming message. As was the habit, Keith had sent a text to tell him he was waiting outside. Lance smiled and, as always, sent back a string of kissing cat-face emojis. From the corner of his eyes, he saw the girl next to him steal a glance at his phone even though he tried to shield it from view. Jeez, had she never heard about privacy?

Finally, it was time to go home. Lance packed his bag and left.

The late-night spring breeze made him shiver in just his light shirt, but he felt warm the moment he spotted Keith leaning against his red bike, with a smile in Lance’s direction. Lance smiled back and waved, and when Keith’s smile widened in response, the warmth inside his chest only grew stronger.

The girl sitting next to him in class clapped his shoulder lightly. “Your boyfriend’s picking you up again? Wow, he’s a keeper.”

Lance wanted to groan. With Keith within earshot, he definitely couldn’t worm out from the direct response.

And so, he said, “He’s not my boyfriend. And besides, he’s center-forward, not keeper.”

The last part was added to keep up a clueless act by spouting soccer facts. Lance didn’t want people to know how badly he was pining. It was bad enough he knew how badly he was pining.

“I’m not talking about soccer positions, silly.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.”

Lance waved and picked up his pace. He didn’t want to deal with this now, he just wanted to enjoy his brief moment with Keith and get home so he could sleep.

The moment he stood in front of Keith’s bike, he threw his arms around him in greeting.

“Hey,” he breathed against Keith’s ear. “Thanks for coming by bike. I’m tired.”

Keith chuckled, hot breath ghosting on Lance’s skin and causing a pleasant shiver to run down his spine. “I figured. Let’s go home.”

“Yeah.”

Lance stepped away so he could get the spare helmet.

Keith suddenly frowned at him and asked, “Why didn’t you bring a jacket?”

Lance merely shrugged and replied, “It’s long-sleeved. It was warm when I headed out earlier.”

“That was in the afternoon.”

“I guess I forgot because the sunshine was nice and toasty.”

Keith immediately unbuttoned his varsity jacket, shrugged out of it, then held it out for Lance. “Here you go.”

“Oh, I’ll be fine, thank you,” Lance said, even though his fingers were itching to grab the jacket and slip it on.

He felt so warm and giddy because Keith offering his jacket so outright was a first. But maybe he felt a bit stubborn because they continuously denied any romantic tension going on between them. Keith’s attentive boyfriend mode simply couldn’t be a show.

“You snatch it pretty much every day, and suddenly you don’t want it? I’ll remember that,” Keith said with a half-smile.

“I didn’t say I don’t want it!” He huffed with a pout at Keith’s handsome-cute, flirty face. “Fine, I’ll wear it. But don’t complain if you end up sick and unable to play soccer later.”

Finally, he took the jacket and immediately slipped his arms into the sleeves. He closed it all the way up.

“I wouldn’t dream of it. Besides, I have a warm turtleneck sweater. I don’t get sick that easily, but you are weak to the cold.”

“You aren’t immune forever, though, and I don’t want to hear complaints when I nurse you back to health.”

“Why would I complain? You already fuss over me all the time, just like I do over you.”

There were giggles from the nearby parking spaces. They both ignored them to mount the bike together.

When they were both seated, Keith asked, “Ready?”

“Ready,” Lance replied.

“Let’s go.” Keith revved up the engine and took off.

This might be one of Lance’s favorite parts every Thursday night. He loved riding on Keith’s bike, holding on tightly, and leaning against him as closely as he could. If only he could rest his cheek against Keith’s neck, nuzzle his nose into his hair, then everything would be perfect. Of course, the bike wasn’t the right place because helmets were necessary for safety.

Even though Lance was so tired, the ride was over much too soon for his liking. They entered the dormitory in silence.

When they had to part ways to enter their rooms, Lance started to open the jacket so he could give it back.

However, Keith stopped him. “Keep it. You can wear it again in the morning.”

“Okay.” Lance smiled. “Good night, Keith. Sweet dreams.”

Keith returned the smile as he replied, “You too, Lance. Sweet dreams.”

When he was about to step inside his room, Lance looked back over his shoulder and found Keith waiting at his door. Keith had that look on his face, and the butterflies went loose in Lance’s belly. He beamed and waved, then finally entered when he received a wave in return.

How he wished they’d walk in together.

That night, Lance fell asleep hugging Keith’s jacket against his chest along with his plush lioness. He held the fabric as near to his face as he could so Keith’s scent would lull him to sleep. It was almost possible to pretend they slept together.

His last thought as he lost consciousness was wondering whether Keith ever got excited when he got his clothes back and they smelled like him.

4.

Soon enough, Lance had to admit defeat.

He couldn’t do this anymore. Denying a relationship when it was so painfully obvious—it was like a massive black hole in his heart. He had to do something before the longing to be official consumed him whole.

Since it didn’t seem like Keith planned to say a word, Lance would have to take a step and hope for the best. Even the slim chance of rejection was better than this sweet torture of a quasi-relationship, but knowing it wasn’t if no one took the plunge.

And the day of the final match of the season seemed the perfect opportunity. He would make a good luck charm for Keith and later tell his feelings.

He bought supplies and spent the night before the match stringing star-shaped plastic pearls on a strong piece of elastic to make a hair tie. Red and blue stars, their colors aligned in a perfect circle. Keith always wore his hair tied back for soccer. Hopefully, he would catch the symbolism or at least think it was a cute gift rather than silly.

Lance’s fingers worked swiftly, with practiced ease. After all, he had made his favorite bracelet in the same way. He held back a smile at the thought that, even with entirely different meanings, they would still match.

When he laid down for sleep that night, he had to put on calming piano music to get his heart-rate to slow down. Thinking about the other thing he was gonna do was nerve-wracking, but he needed a good night’s sleep.

All through the morning, he tried to psyche himself up with any and all techniques he had ever heard of. He tried to avoid Keith as best as he could, not knowing how it would affect his nerves.

Finally, the time had come.

Lance excused himself from his friends without offering an explanation. He knew the soccer team was on their way to the lockers right now. Everyone was there to witness, but now was the one chance Lance had; earlier, the timing seemed off, any later would be impossible.

As he was jogging down the grounds to catch up, he called out, “Keith! Wait!”

Keith turned around and waited until Lance came to a halt in front of him. “What’s up?”

Lance replied, “Your ponytail is a mess. Turn around and let me fix it.”

He had planned ahead how to best make this work—by pretending his usual fussing over Keith’s hair. He hoped his voice didn’t betray his terribly frazzled nerves.

Keith huffed but did as he was told. Lance was thankful his hands didn’t tremble while he redid Keith’s ponytail with the special hair tie.

“Did you run all the way just to fuss over my hair like you always do?” Keith asked.

But Lance stayed silent.

He watched as Keith touched his hair to feel the stars with his fingers, as he turned around with eyebrows furrowed in confusion. His eyes flickered to Lance’s wrist for the briefest second.

Finally, he explained, “Red and blue stars, because, you know. A hair tie for good luck.”

“Oh.” Keith blinked before he smiled softly. His voice was full of honey milk warmth when he said, “Thank you, Lance. I’m sure it’ll help me win.”

Lance fidgeted with his bracelet. It was now or never.

“There’s something else. Another good luck charm.”

Keith tilted his head as he asked, “What is it?”

He didn’t reply, not with words, at least. His heart jumped up to his throat as he closed his eyes and leaned in to kiss Keith’s lips.

Admittedly, he hadn’t thought this through entirely. He’d imagined so often what it would be like to kiss Keith, but how long should he make it last? They were in front of the soccer team, who had a match to prepare for. It was their first kiss.

Keith didn’t react for a good second, but then he dived in, as softly as Lance had set the pace. Lance felt a hand on his waist, and he wanted to be pulled in. He wanted to wrap his arms around Keith, find the perfect angle, taste everything his lips had to offer for him.

Instead, he pulled back. Even from this brief of a kiss, his face felt on fire.

Keith gazed at him in wonder, his eyes wide and holding a glimmer. His arm hovered in midair, holding the ghost of Lance’s waist; his lips were parted and ready to kiss again.

Lance squeaked out, “So, uh, yeah. I’m gonna be right at the front to cheer you on. You better win this for me!”

He ran off to the entrance for viewers without giving a chance to respond. He was early, but it meant he could score the best position in the usual block—right in the front near one of the goals.

His friends showed up after a short while and brought his hand-painted banner along like they had agreed earlier. Thankfully, they didn’t question his nervous-giddy state.

He took a deep breath and rolled out the banner. He had to cheer for Keith and his team. His little are-we-dating-or-are-we-not confusion could wait until later.

Lance always loved watching the team warm up before a game. It helped him calm down and really get into the spirit. He knew that Galra, with their captain, Lotor, were a tough opponent. But Lance was confident that Keith and his friends would win.

When it came time for kick-off, Keith was able to pick the sides. As usual, he chose to defend the goal in front of Lance and his friends first. Lance rocked back and forth in excitement. Wouldn’t it just be sweet if he got to witness Keith score a goal, all close-up, in the second half?

The match started out as tough as expected. Lance had to watch as Lotor scored and had many close chances. Keith equalized for Voltron before the halftime whistle, but the tension was tangible even on the stands.

When the teams came back for the second half, Lance’s cheers increased. He indulged himself in the thought his voice would carry all the way to Keith’s ears. When the players took their positions, he saw Keith redo his ponytail.

His eyes widened. Was it just his imagination, or did Keith touch the red and blue stars to his lips for the briefest of seconds? Even if it hadn’t happened, Lance’s heart skipped a beat.

Voltron had found new energy during the halftime break. Out of everyone on the field, Keith’s play was the most passionate; he was the one with most chances by far.

With time starting to run low, the game got messier. Lance had to watch as Keith was fouled when he was close to the goal, aiming to score. Those moments never failed to make him worry.

He held his breath as Keith stepped to the penalty spot himself. He thought he saw Keith seek his face in the crowd before he ran up. It was a perfect goal. The ball sailed straight into the net, unstoppable for the goalie.

The crowd erupted into deafening cheers. Lance thought his own voice might leave from how much he was cheering. It continued when just a moment later, the final whistle sounded. Voltron had won the cup.

Everyone in the stands hugged each other like the players on the field, full of laughter. Lance leaned over the railing as he waited for the players to be done shaking hands with the opponent and start their tour along the bleachers.

When Keith came up in front of him and reached out, Lance expected he would take his hand. Instead, Keith cupped his face, leaned in, and kissed him full on the lips. Right here, in front of the entire school.

Lance thought his heart stopped. All sound left his ears. He was in an isolated bubble, just him and Keith and their lips moving in perfect sync. Keith led the kiss, passionate like on the field, but gentle. Lance responded with all his feeling.

When they parted for breath, Keith’s indigo eyes shined with affection unvoiced, and he grinned as wide as Lance had never seen before. His own smile probably looked ridiculous with how dazed he felt.

Their gazes remained locked until a reprimanding shout from Kolivan brought them back to reality. “You can kiss your boyfriend all you want later!”

Keith turned to jog away.

“We aren’t dating!”

Not a yell, low enough to not be heard, but Lance’s heart dropped at Keith’s words. He joined, barely above a whisper.

Keith glanced back at him, regret spelled on his features.

It had been a reflex.

The wait for the soccer team to be done was nerve-wracking. His friends gave him looks, but he tried to ignore them.

Finally, Keith joined the group. His smile for Lance was soft. It carried a silent message: apology, reassurance, hope.

Lance smiled back, hoping to give a matching message. He snatched Keith’s varsity jacket from his arm.

They would be able to talk soon.

5.

Lance’s hope to celebrate with Keith, just the two of them, had to wait.

Rolo’s friends had organized a party for the soccer team’s victory in the cup. As the captain and man of the match, Keith had agreed to go. Everyone was going.

A party wasn’t the same as the quiet comfort of their bedroom, but it was alright for Lance. They could dance together, laugh together, and maybe they’d still resume where they’d left after the kiss.

But when they all arrived at the location, Lance took a look around for orientation—and lost sight of Keith.

Lance frowned as he scanned the crowds. There were so many people. He’d just have to move around until he found him.

And he would be easy to spot; after all, he was wearing Keith’s varsity jacket.

He chatted with friends. He danced solo all around the room. But he couldn’t catch sight of Keith at all.

The antsiness increased.

Lance had some water and finger food; he had one beer. Enough to get him tipsy. He’d always been sensitive to it; it made him all giggly and affectionate.

He was on the couch with Nyma and Rolo around. Everything would be great if only he could find the one he wanted to be so affectionate with.

“Where’s Keith?” he asked.

“He’s at the back,” Rolo replied.

“Why’s he back there? I want him here. Or I want to be there. I don’t care. I want Keith.” Lance pouted as he tried to scan the room once again. “Where is he? I can’t see him.”

“Want me to get him for you?” Rolo asked.

His voice was amused. What was so funny? Jeez, was it a crime that a guy wanted to be with his quasi-boyfriend and resume the amazing kiss they’d had?

“Please! I’ve tried to find him the whole night. He just disappeared when we got here!” Lance pouted again. “I want to dance with him. I want to cuddle. I don’t care. I just want to be with Keith.”

“Alright, alright. I’m gonna find Keith for you,” Rolo said. “Nyma, you’ll wait with Lance, yeah?”

“Sure thing,” she said.

Lance sat there with a pout as he waited. Nyma patted his back empathically. His focus zoned out.

Suddenly, she stood, and someone tapped his shoulder.

An unmistakable, gravelly voice said, “Hey, Lance.”

Lance’s head snapped up, and he immediately broke into a smile. He wrapped his arms around Keith and nuzzled against his stomach.

“Keith! Keith! I love you, Keith!”

Keith chuckled and said, “I know. Let’s go home, okay?”

“Will you carry me?”

“Sure, I can do that.” Before Lance knew it, strong arms held him bridal style. Keith asked, “Like this?”

“Mmmm… my hero.” Lance smiled up before he nuzzled his face into the crook of Keith’s neck. Keith’s skin and hair smelled so comforting. “This is like the bonding moment we had before, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. I cradled you in my arms just like this.”

Lance giggled. “I love it when you cradle me.”

“Oh, well, I like cradling you, too,” Keith said softly. Lance felt the world move as Keith adjusted his hold and started to walk. “Let’s go home.”

Lance had his eyes closed the entire way, just enjoying the feeling of being in Keith’s arms and breathing in his scent. At one point, Keith stopped for a moment; right before he unlocked a door.

The lock clicked shut; Lance was gently sat down on a bed.

He opened his eyes and immediately knew where he was. Familiar surroundings, a warm feeling. Keith’s room. The place he’d hoped to spend the night.

Lance looked up at him. The gaze he received in return was gentle as the summer breeze.

“It’s my room. Is that alright for you?” Keith said, voice soft and reassuring.

Lance hummed. “You took me home like you promised.”

“You’re comfortable sleeping here?”

“Mmm, I’m very comfortable sleeping with you. Honestly, I really hoped the night would go like this. You and me, just the two of us in our room.” Lance giggled. His gaze flickered to Keith’s wrist; red and blue stars above a glove band. He’d seen it earlier, but his tipsy brain was so happy seeing it again, he beamed widely. “You kept the hair tie!”

“Of course! It’s the good luck charm you gave me to win the match, after all.” Keith smiled. “Let’s take off that jacket so you can sleep.”

“Can’t I keep it on?” Lance asked. “I love your jacket.”

“I know, but that’s gonna be uncomfortable. You’ll have it back tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay.” Lance held out his arms. “You’re sleeping with me, right? Just making sure.”

“Huh?”

“It’s your bed, but you said we’re going home.” Lance’s eyebrows creased. “No sleeping on the floor, right? We’re together.”

“Of course not!” Keith held Lance’s gaze. His voice cracked a little. “No one’s sleeping on the floor. We’re sleeping together. I really hoped we’d spend the night like this, too.”

“Will you cuddle me?”

“These arms are ready to hold you all night.”

“I can finally sleep on your chest! This is the best night, ever!” Lance giggled.

Keith didn’t respond. Instead, he started taking off Lance’s shoes. Wow. That was right out of a daydream.

“Are you gonna undress me?” Lance asked; equal parts curious what was the direction of the night, and playfulness.

“I—” Keith cleared his throat. His voice had cracked again. “Maybe not right now.”

Lance nodded. “You’re right, you can undress me next time. I’ve been looking forward to that.”

“Definitely.”

Keith went to put the jacket and shoes away. Lance started to strip, wholly welcoming Keith’s presence. No matter what they’d do from here, no matter if they’d said it yet. Keith’s eyes had never caused him discomfort.

“I can fetch you a glass of water. Do you need the bathroom?” Keith asked. He turned in his direction again. “Do you want a shirt to sleep in?”

“Can I have a red one?” Lance asked.

“Yeah, of course.”

While Keith went for the dresser, Lance took off his binder. Despite their conversation just a moment ago, Keith fixed his gaze on Lance’s face when he came back with a shirt. His eyes shone with reassurance and warmth. Always a gentleman, always valuing Lance’s comfort and consent.

He may have been center-forward on the field, but as a boyfriend, he was the keeper.

“Here you go. I’ll be right back with a glass, okay? The bathroom’s all yours.”

“Thank you, Keith. You’re so sweet.” Lance smiled. He held onto Keith’s hand before taking the shirt; Keith squeezed reassuringly. “I finally got to say it.”

He pulled the shirt over his head. It smelled of fresh laundry, not Keith, but that was okay. It was Keith’s shirt, and he was gonna sleep in it.

When Keith handed him a clean cup, he smiled and walked to the bathroom. There was no need to close the door. He trusted Keith entirely.

He drank some water and used the toilet. In a storage basket, he saw a toothbrush: blue, in a sealed package.

Lance took it without even thinking.

When he was done brushing his teeth, he walked out—and gasped.

Keith took off his shirt right as he stepped through the door. His muscles were on full display, and he stood there in merely his boxer-briefs. This was too much for Lance’s brain. He tried to focus his eyes on Keith’s far too handsome face as he held onto the door.

“Everything okay?” Keith asked.

“Yes. I’m sorry, your muscles kind of turn my brain to mush.” He covered his face, giggling. “Oh, I really am so lucky.”

“Really? I thought today was my lucky day already.”

Lance peeked at him from between his fingers. “Really?”

“I mean, you kissed me good luck, and my team won the cup.” Keith smiled softly. He asked, “Are you done in the bathroom?”

“Yes.” Lance finally walked forward. “I’m just gonna get comfy while you finish.”

“Okay. I’ll be with you in a minute.”

Keith walked into the bathroom and left the door ajar, just like he had. Lance felt giddy.

He walked over to the bed and pulled the blanket back. There was an extra pillow lined up at the headrest. Lance’s heart jumped at the attentive gesture, but he laid back against Keith’s pillow. This was how he wanted to spend the night. Entirely engulfed in Keith’s embrace.

When Keith came to join him, he beamed up. He immediately snuggled up to him; Keith wrapped his arms around his middle.

“Is this okay?” Keith asked.

“Perfect.” Lance sighed. Keith’s chest was better than any pillow. “You’re so warm. You smell so nice.”

“I was right not getting an extra blanket, huh? You ditched the extra pillow, too.”

“Was that bad?”

“Oh no, not at all,” Keith said. “I just... thought I’d get it just in case.”

Lance hummed softly against him. “You promised you’ll hold me all night. I want to rest against your chest all night. So, no extra pillow needed.”

“Yeah, makes sense.” Keith breathed a laugh before he murmured, “We aren’t dating, huh?”

“The biggest lie of the century and everyone knows it.” He sighed. “It’s about time we stop saying that. We’ve been dating this whole time.”

“Mmm, we have.”

“Boyfriends.” He tasted the word on his lips; sweet, loving, marvelous.

He didn’t know if Keith gave a response. The excitement of the day had caught up to him.

Lance drifted off to sleep, Keith’s steady heartbeat against him.

+1

All Lance felt was warmth and comfort.

Strong arms embracing him. His hands holding onto a firm chest. The skin-on-skin of tangled legs underneath the blanket. His favorite scent in his nose, soft locks tickling his cheeks. The ghost of a kiss against his hair.

He could stay like this forever; wanted to wake up like this every morning. In his boyfriend’s arms, holding onto him, their limbs tangled. He wanted to fall asleep with Keith every night and explore everything new they haven’t yet.

Eventually, he couldn’t keep sleeping anymore. He stirred awake with a soft moan and blinked up at Keith’s handsome face.

Keith grinned. “Good morning, sunshine.”

“Good morning,” Lance mumbled. He let go of Keith’s shirt with one hand to rub the sleep from his eyes. “This really happened, huh? You held me all night long.”

“Like I promised,” Keith said.

“Mmm. And I got to sleep against your chest all night long.”

“You were pretty excited about that.”

“You have no idea. I’m still excited right now.”

“So, you’re all comfortable?”

“I’m so comfortable. Last night was amazing.” Lance laughed and hid his face against Keith’s chest. He felt shy all of a sudden. “That sounds weird since we didn’t, you know. But just... how you took me home and took care of me even though I was just very tipsy, that was so sweet. You’re so sweet.”

“It was pretty amazing. You really got my brain turn to mush. My soul went right to heaven.”

“Oh, yeah? You got me going to heaven. You’re my—”

“Boyfriend,” Keith finished the sentence with him, his voice nothing but affection and love.

“Boyfriend,” Lance repeated. He giggled and beamed up at Keith, whose eyes shone warmer than a fireplace; his smile was so sweet. “I love this word. I love saying it. I love when you say it. I love you.”

“The feeling is mutual, honey.” He laughed against Lance’s hair. “Boyfriend, boyfriend, boyfriend.”

“Gosh, all that unfiltered babbling would’ve been so embarrassing if you didn’t like me back all along.”

“And I’m lucky I’m so good at letting my instincts autopilot me.” A huff. “You really did shortcircuit my brain a bit there.”

“Well, so did you with mine!” Lance stuck out his tongue briefly, then smiled. “We’re gonna tell everyone now, right? We’ve really been idiots denying it all this time.”

“We’re definitely gonna tell everyone. And idiots sounds about right, I really could’ve smacked myself when I had to go back to the team after our kiss. When I kissed you, after the game. The words kind of slipped out without meaning to.” Keith sighed.

“I was a bit disappointed at first, but I could feel it was just the reflex.” Lance smiled reassuringly. “It all turned out well in the end. Even if I’d wanted to keep kissing you right there.”

“Yeah, same for me. That kiss was just amazing.” Keith smiled, then frowned. “You didn’t mind that I kissed you without a word, right?”

“The kiss was so amazing. And I didn’t mind the surprise, not from you.” He laughed softly. “I mean, I didn’t announce my good luck kiss, either. I hope you didn’t mind.”

“I didn’t mind at all. That kiss was the best motivation boost ever. It just took me a hot second to kiss back because I never expected it.” Keith laughed as well. “That won’t happen again. You’re gonna give me more good luck kisses, right?”

“Mmm, good luck kisses for every match. And I’m very open for more victory kisses.” He grinned, then sighed as he nuzzled closer. “I could stay like this all morning.”

“Trust me, so do I. But we need breakfast.” Keith sighed as well. “And I have training this morning.”

“A breakfast date does sound nice,” Lance said. With a playful edge, he added, “And we can continue our delayed celebrations after you’re done with practice.”

“Oh? You’ll have to tell me all about those celebration plans later.” Keith peppered kisses all over his face. His lips were left tragically ignored. “Let’s get up, then.”

“Aww, come on Keith, my lips are right here.” Lance pouted but couldn’t hold back a laugh. “Though I guess morning breath is a thing.”

“Oh, as if that would stop me if I really wanna kiss you, and if you really wanna kiss me.” A huff of a laugh. “Do you wanna kiss right now?”

“Mmm, a peck at least. We can save more kisses for later.” He kissed his boyfriend’s cheek. “But I really wanna have good morning kisses when we spend the night together from now on. Whether I kiss you first or you kiss me first, both are good.”

“Big agreed. Doesn’t matter how we get there as long as we’re sharing those kisses.” Keith chuckled, and finally leaned in for a peck to his lips. “Good morning, my sunshine.”

“Good morning, my darling.” Lance beamed. “Now we can get ready for breakfast. I need the bathroom before we go.”

“Sure. It’s all yours. My room is all yours. You did call it home last night.” A soft laugh. “If there’s anything you need, let me know.”

“And that goes right back to you with my room, okay?”

Keith smiled. “Yeah.”

They detangled their limbs and got out of bed. Lance went right to the bathroom without closing the door, just like last night.

When he washed his hands, he saw the red and blue toothbrushes in front of the mirror. He realized he’d claimed Keith’s spare toothbrush for himself.

Images of a wholly shared bathroom, a shared apartment, flashed in his mind. All their products lined up in the bath, one bed for two, new additions to the night table.

He couldn’t stop grinning giddily.

When he walked out of the bathroom, Keith was getting changed.

The grin remained on Lance’s face as he walked over to join his boyfriend. He really loved this. Keith’s muscles would be the end of him.

Keith grinned at him. “You okay?”

Well, he’d opened the door for Keith’s teasing himself; last night and when they woke up. He loved this, as well.

“Yes. I really like being so casual and domestic with you. Including when you see me get changed while we’re spending time alone. No need to avert your eyes, okay?” He held Keith’s gaze and summoned all his reassurance into his voice. “You’re my boyfriend, and I’m so comfortable around you. Have been since forever.”

“Okay,” Keith breathed out. “I mean, I know, and I figured last night, and with how you left the bathroom open, too. But I just…”

“You always go the extra mile to make sure I’m comfortable. I know.” He hugged his boyfriend around the torso and kissed his cheek to underline all his affection. “It always makes me feel so warm. Thank you, Keith.”

“I’m happy it can make you happy.” Keith pecked the corner of his lips before the hug was parted. “I prepared a set of clothes for you if you want to wear it. Your binder’s over there, too.”

Lance walked to where Keith pointed. “Oh, that’s one of my favorites from you! It looks amazing on me.”

“It does,” Keith agreed.

“Oh, I know. I studied your reactions to all the clothes I snatched from you, and this combo always got the most appreciative smile.” He laughed. “Makes me feel a bit torn because it’s such a great fit on you.”

“Oh? Maybe I’ll wear it more often again. Any other favorites to note?” Keith asked.

Lance started getting changed. In his periphery, he saw Keith resume putting on a fresh t-shirt.

“I can make you a list, but the short version: your varsity jacket, your jersey, any of the slim-fit Nyadidas sweats. Like the rainbow stripes one. Oh, your hoodies, too.” He huffed. “But I also love wearing those, your jacket and hoodies especially, so that’s a dilemma.”

“You never had my jersey, though,” Keith pointed out.

“Oh, but I always dream about it.”

“Please wear it for my next game.”

“Gosh, yes. I’ll wear it for all your games!” Lance promised.

“That’s the best announcement ever.” Keith grinned at him.

Lance put on his binder and started putting on the fresh t-shirt.

A whisper. “I love you.”

He turned to smile at his boyfriend. “That was very no-filter.”

“I’m known for not having the best brain-to-mouth filter.” Keith reached out to tuck a curl behind his ear. “I’ll be right back, okay? Just a quick stop at the bathroom.”

“Okay,” Lance said, the smile still on his face as he pulled the t-shirt over his head.

He finished getting dressed while his boyfriend was in the bathroom.

A full outfit of boyfriend clothes. A dizzying feeling. And a comfortable choice that made him look amazing despite what he’d always thought about sweats as a fashion choice. Not counting what an eyecatcher Keith, a jock, was in that style.

The slim dark gray sweats made his legs appear even longer, Keith’s preferred style of t-shirts hugged his form nicely without discomfort. They were just a little big on him—in the right parts.

And Keith’s varsity jacket was the cherry on top. Loose and comfy, and the red made him shine.

Boyfriend jacket. He grinned as he slipped his arms into the sleeves.

Lance’s mind went back to the toothbrush. He walked over and leaned through the ajar door to peek in. Keith was just washing his hands. Their eyes met through the mirror.

“Everything okay?” Keith asked.

Lance nodded and stepped in fully. He leaned his back against the door.

“I just wanted to apologize for taking your spare toothbrush. I saw it in that basket last night, all sealed, and it was blue so I kind of…” He laughed softly. “I didn’t even think, I just took it.”

Keith walked over to him and stopped in perfect kissing distance. Lance saw the same thought flash in his boyfriend’s eyes and leaned in to kiss him. They kept it short, but it left Lance’s heart fluttering all the same.

“How convenient they had both red and blue when they had that buy two, pay one deal, huh?” Keith grinned at him, eyes twinkling. “There’s nothing to apologize for here, but you could buy me a new one, for your room. How does that sound?”

Lance laughed at the clear invitation. He just had to hug him.

“I’ll buy it right this afternoon. Actually…” He returned the grin. “We should go together. We could buy another thing or two.”

Keith huffed a laugh. “Definitely up for that.”

They walked out of the bathroom. Lance watched as Keith took the special hair tie from the night table to wear it on his wrist again. His heart jumped up and down.

When they both had their shoes on, Keith asked, “Ready to go?”

“Yep. Let’s go.”

They left the room and held hands the whole way to the dining hall. They only let go to load food onto their trays and carry them securely. When they sat down next to each other, their knees bumped under the tabletop.

They started eating in silence until Keith asked, “Wanna come watch us train?”

“Why do you even have practice right after winning the cup? This has been every year, hasn’t it?”

“Yeah. Kolivan doesn’t send us off for mid-season break nor close-season until a day or two later.” Keith shrugged. “That’s just how he rolls. Suits me just fine.”

“Makes sense since you train in your free time, too.”

“So, will you come?”

“You sure it’s okay if I watch?”

“He never said anything about closed training.” Keith shrugged again, then held Lance’s gaze when he said, “I’d be happy if my boyfriend is there to cheer for me.”

Lance smiled, warmth spreading through his chest. “You know how much I adore watching my boyfriend on the soccer field.”

Keith smiled back. “Awesome.”

For the rest of the meal, they went back to a comfortable silence. They’d still have all the time in the world to talk later. For now, this was perfect.

When they were done eating, they walked back to their floor together and went for their own rooms to get ready. Lance tried to make his skincare routine as short as possible while still being thorough about it.

Keith was already waiting by the door.

Lance beamed when Keith took his hand and kissed his cheek.

They shared a proper kiss in front of the locker rooms before Keith had to go get changed. When they parted, Lance watched him disappear through the door before he walked to find a good place to stand by the side of the field.

He watched the soccer players trickle onto the field and start jogging laps like they always did to warm up. Keith jogged off track to meet him. Lance’s heart skipped a beat when his boyfriend kissed him deeply.

With his eyes closed, Lance began to forget about his surroundings, losing himself in the sensation of Keith’s lips moving against his. The kiss was softer than when Keith had kissed him after the game, more sensual instead of adrenaline-fueled, but Lance could still feel the fire that was ever-burning inside Keith. He loved it.

He could’ve stayed like this forever, but the shrill sound of a whistle brought him back to reality. Lance badly wanted to follow Keith’s lips when he pulled back, but he knew it wasn’t the right time and place.

Even so, they gazed into each other’s eyes while Kolivan yelled, “No kissing your boyfriend during training! That’s one extra lap for you, Keith!”

Keith glanced over his shoulder to yell back, “Sorry, Kolivan! I’ll be right back!”

But instead of jogging off, he leaned right back in to press his lips against Lance’s.

Though he couldn’t hide the giddy smile, Lance tried to sound strict when he said, “Don’t get yourself into trouble because of me, you’re the captain.”

“You’re worth it,” Keith said with a grin, and as if to prove a point, he stole another peck.

Keith was still grinning when he finally turned away to return to the warm-up, and Lance felt warm all over because he had caused this. He was the reason he got to see this happiness written all over Keith’s face, the same joy he felt himself.

Kolivan announced loudly that Keith had to run not only one, but three extra laps now. Lance could see the grin never left Keith’s face as he resumed his warm-up.

The voices of the soccer players carried over to Lance.

“What did we tell you about PDA?” one of the guys said in a mock-scold.

“Sorry, guys, my boyfriend is just too irresistible. His kisses energize me better than coffee.”

Lance’s heart skipped a beat once more when he heard Keith’s words. Hearing him say it so casually now: he was Keith’s boyfriend. Keith called him irresistible, maybe because Lance was wearing his jacket and a full outfit from his wardrobe. Gosh, Lance was floating off to seventh heaven right there.

“Oh? What’s this? No more denying?”

“Nope, we stopped being idiots.”

A chorus of voices all over the field called, “It was about time.”

Lance nearly started laughing. He wondered just when the soccer team had begun to see he and Keith were clearly head over heels in love with each other. Maybe he could bribe the information from them one day, just to satisfy his curiosity.

Watching the team practice was the same as always, the way they stuck to routine as they worked on agility; practiced different scenarios that could happen in a match. Lance could watch them forever. Of course, his eyes always followed his boyfriend. He clapped and cheered for him whenever he pulled off a cool move.

Later, Keith confessed to Lance he’d always been his biggest motivation. Especially now, with the red and blue stars hair tie. Because they were together, officially.

Lance couldn’t wait till he, as well, could announce it to the whole world. Finally, there was no more denying.