Watching You, While You're Watching Us (Shklance)

Anytime, Cutie

The next week was noticeably Lotor-less, but Lance wasn't any less on edge. He had told Hunk everything that first afternoon when he came back to the dorm. Hunk encouraged him to give a shortened version to the others in the group so they knew to avoid him. Lance agreed, no one should ever have to see that snakey bastard, let alone deal with him. When he did find a moment to tell them, they were supportive of him, and he was reminded of the great people he had gotten to know this year.

It was halfway through the second week of Lotor's return when he reappeared. He managed to catch Lance after all his classes were done for the day. He was between two science buildings when Lotor stepped into his path. Lance didn't say anything this time, he just steeled himself for whatever was to come.

"We meet again, Lancey," Lotor grinned, "Without... interruption I hope."

"Don't act like this was some innocent coincidence. I don't have time for this, I have another class in a few minutes," Lance took a step to walk past Lotor.

"No, you don't. Your classes are over for today," Lance froze on the spot.

"I'm sure you're wondering how I know that. That would be courtesy of your schedule of course," he said it like there was nothing else so obvious.

How did he get that? The only ones who knew it even remotely in full were Lance himself, Hunk, Shiro, and Keith. He clearly hadn't said anything and he strongly doubted any of the other three would tell.

"Now, Lancy, you know I don't like it when you lie," Lotor took a few steps towards Lance. Lance backed up and prepared to bolt. This was how a punishment started. There was no one around, they were hidden by the buildings. A perfect spot for Lotor.

"I also happen to know a little bit about that little 'interruption' that bothered our conversation last week."

Keith? What had he found about Keith? He couldn't let Lotor do something to him. Keith had only been helping Lance, but now who knew what trouble it was going to get him in.

"What...?"

"Well, it was actually quite interesting. I found out that he's had a steady boyfriend for the last two years. How bold of you to go after a taken man."

These were his games. Lance had to repeat that to himself. Thankfully, he didn't seem to find anything specifically harmful to Keith. He just wanted to fuck with Lance's mind, with his feelings. Make him unsteady.

"His boyfriend seems to be your type too, I'm sure you were excited to have that nice little study group with them," Lotor's grin was wicked.

Please, not them, Lance found myself begging to the universe once more. He had finally found people that cared as much as he cared for them, he'd be devastated if anything happened to them.

"You always were a bit rebellious, but this is new," Lotor moved closer, so much closer. His face wasn't kind, it was the one Lance knew that meant Lotor had won.

"What do you think is going to happen with those two? That they'll love you back? That they'll let you down gently and still be your friends? They'll hate you. Trying to break up a friend's relationship, how horrible," Lotor's voice was laced with false sympathy. "Who knows? It might even make your other friends turn their backs too. This is why you need me, Lance. I will never turn away. I mean, I left for a year and you've gone after no one but two taken men." Lotor had managed to push Lance up against the wall. He was trapped. Again.

It was hard to breathe. His heart hurt. He was dizzy.

"Just think about that, Lancy. You're a smart boy... I'm sure you'll come to the right decision."