Roommates (Klance College AU)

38

In the moment of vulnerability and heartache, Lance forced a smile, trying to mask the confusion and pain swirling within him. "That's... really something," he managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

Veronica, sensing the sudden shift in mood but misinterpreting its cause, clapped her hands together in excitement. "Well, this calls for a celebration! How about we all go out and do something fun together? It'll be my treat!"

Lance's internal turmoil was boiling over. The thought of going out together, under the guise of this new and fragile "relationship" with Keith, was almost too much to bear. He wanted nothing more than to pull his sister aside, to explain the tangled web of emotions and misunderstandings that had somehow spun out of control in just a few minutes. Yet, he found himself nodding in agreement, caught up in the momentum of the moment and Veronica's infectious enthusiasm.

"Actually," Lance interjected, seizing on a sudden impulse. "Can it just be the two of us? I mean, it's been so long since we've had some one-on-one sibling time, and there's so much I want to catch up on with you." His gaze flickered to Keith, silently pleading for understanding, or at least for him to play along with this new twist.

Veronica's expression softened, understanding dawning in her eyes. "Of course, Lance," she said earnestly. "We could definitely use some quality time together. It's been way too long."

Keith, for his part, seemed to pick up on Lance's unspoken plea. "Yeah, you guys should spend some time together," he said. "I've got some stuff to catch up on, anyway." He gestured vaguely towards his laptop, his voice carrying a note of genuine support despite the earlier mischief.

As Veronica agreed, eager for some one-on-one time with her brother, Lance felt a wave of relief wash over him. He managed a grateful smile in Keith's direction, appreciative of the out, however temporary it might be.

"Well," Veronica started. "Where should we go?"

"I was thinking," Lance began, his voice steadier now, "Maybe we could go to that old ice cream shop we used to love as kids? The one by the lake."

Veronica's face lit up with nostalgia. "That sounds perfect," she said, her eyes sparkling with fond memories. "I haven't been there in forever."

"Great, let's go," Lance said quickly, grabbing Veronica's arm as he rushed to pull her out of the room.

"I- Lance-" Veronica stumbled on her words as Lance dragged her through the room. "You don't need your shoes or anything?"

Lance paused, realizing the haste with which he was trying to escape the situation had caused him to overlook such a basic necessity. He let go of his sister and quickly pulled his shoes on his feet and grabbed some other things he could possibly need. "Okay, you good to go now?" he asked.

Veronica placed her few things she wouldn't need to bring along with her. "Yeah."

Lance, much more calmly, walked towards the door and held it opened for his older sister. She smiled thankfully at Lance as she walked through, and gave Keith a little wave. "Nice meeting you."

He gave her a faint smile in return, and the two siblings left the room. As they got out of ear shot, veronica stopped her brother. "Okay, what's going on?"

"What do you mean?" Lance asked reluctantly.

"Lance, don't think I don't know you," she said. "You're my brother, and closest friend; I can read you like a book."

Veronica's gaze held a mix of concern and determination, urging Lance to open up. The weight of his sister's stare pressed on him, compelling him to confront the emotions he had been trying to keep at bay.

Lance sighed, the fight draining out of him. He leaned against the wall, looking down at his feet, then up at the ceiling, searching for the right words. "We aren't actually dating, y'know."

"Yeah, no shit."

Lance looked at his sister in shock. Veronica's blunt response caught Lance off guard, but he couldn't help but chuckle at her straightforwardness. "I thought you really believed it... based off your reaction."

Veronica scoffed. "I could clearly tell he was teasing you," she said. "But..." Veronica paused, thinking over her words before saying them aloud. "What's actually going on between you two?"

Lance furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "What... what do you mean?"

Veronica took a deep breath, her expression softening as she prepared to elaborate. "Lance, the way you talked about him back there... I know it wasn't just for my benefit. Your words, your emotions... they were too real, too raw to be made up on the spot. And Keith's reaction... it wasn't the look of someone just playing along for fun. There's something there, isn't there?"

Lance's heart thumped heavily in his chest, his eyes locked with Veronica's. "There's... nothing there," he admitted as he looked back down at his feet.

Veronica placed her hand on Lance's shoulder. "Lance, you don't have to hide anything from me," Veronica said gently. "I'm your sister. I just want you to be happy."

Lance felt a lump form in his throat, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. He swallowed hard, trying to regain his composure. "I know, V," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "But Keith and I, we will never be anything more than friends. If even that."

Lance's admission hung heavy in the air between them, a raw, unfiltered truth that seemed to echo off the walls of the corridor. Veronica's eyes softened, filled with empathy and understanding, but also a hint of determination. She squeezed his shoulder reassuringly, a silent promise of unwavering support.

"Listen," Veronica began, her voice steady and comforting. "Whether you and Keith become more than friends or not, it's okay. What's important is that you're honest with yourself about your feelings. And whatever happens, I'm here for you. Always."

Lance looked up, meeting her gaze. The assurance in her eyes, the unwavering support, it was a balm to the turmoil inside him. He nodded, a small smile breaking through the turmoil. "Thanks, V. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Veronica smiled back, her eyes twinkling. "Probably get into a lot more trouble," she joked, lightening the mood. They both laughed, the tension easing as they walked to the ice cream shop.