A Sacrifice for Understanding.

Chapter 9

As Lance walked away, Keith swore he heard him mutter, "Stupid Lance..."

Without thinking, Keith immediately pushed himself to catch up. His legs carried him faster than his mind could process, and it wasn't until they crossed the threshold of the Garrison that Keith finally reached Lance. With a burst of instinctive urgency, Keith grabbed Lance, pulling him into a tight embrace.

Lance flinched at first, his body stiff, before he struggled briefly against Keith's hold. But then, to Keith's surprise, Lance's resistance faltered, and he relaxed into the embrace, a soft breath escaping his lips. The vulnerability at that moment tugged at Keith's heart, and he couldn't help but whisper, his voice laced with concern, "Don't you ever say that again."

Lance pulled back slightly, confused. "What?"

Keith gently cupped Lance's face, his thumb brushing over his jawline, as he looked him directly in the eyes. His gaze was firm, but his voice soft, as if trying to reach something deep within. "You're not stupid. Don't say that about yourself again. You're one of the most capable people I know."

Lance didn't respond at first, his eyes flickering with a mix of emotions—doubt, confusion, and something else that Keith couldn't quite decipher. But before the silence could stretch further, a small voice broke through the tension.

"Lance? Lance, I had a nightmare..."

They both turned in unison to see a young girl standing in the doorway, clutching a plush toy to her chest, her face scrunched up in distress. Tears were threatening to spill from her eyes, and her lip trembled.

Keith released his hold on Lance, watching as Lance immediately rushed to the girl's side. He knelt in front of her, his eyes softening as he gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, don't worry," Lance said, his voice warm and soothing. "I'm right here. It wasn't real, okay? You're safe now."

Keith watched, transfixed, as Lance comforted the girl. The tenderness in his expression struck Keith in a way he wasn't prepared for. There was something about Lance in that moment—something brighter, more grounded—than he'd ever seen before. And it hit Keith like a wave. Lance had grown. This life on Earth had changed him. He wasn't just the same guy who had once joked around and teased everyone. There was a depth to him now, a steadiness Keith hadn't realized was there.

A pang of guilt shot through Keith's chest. He had been a part of why Lance had struggled so much within the team. He hadn't given Lance the space or the support he needed. He had been too focused on his issues, too caught up in the war to notice what Lance had been going through.

Keith's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. He turned just as the others entered the room. Allura, her expression purposeful, gave him a nod and gestured toward the hallway.

"Come on, Keith," she called. "They're holding a meeting. We need to discuss our next steps."

Keith hesitated, his eyes drifting back to Lance. Lance had lowered his head, his arms wrapped protectively around the girl, who was now calmed and sniffling against his chest. Lance's eyes were gentle, the smile he gave the girl making Keith's heart clench.

It was then, in that quiet moment, that Keith made a silent promise to himself. He didn't know what the future held, but he knew one thing for certain: Lance deserved happiness, deserved safety, and he would do everything in his power to ensure it, even if it meant sacrificing his own.

Keith reluctantly turned away and followed Allura out of the room. But as he walked, he stole one last glance over his shoulder at Lance, still smiling at the girl, and in that moment, Keith understood something more than just his guilt. He understood that there was a reason they were fighting—there was a reason they were all here. And that reason wasn't just about saving the universe. It was about saving each other, about giving people like Lance a chance at the peace they deserved.

And Keith, for once, was ready to fight for that peace.