Roommates (Klance College AU)

48

Over the past few weeks, Allura and Lance have been spending a lot of time together, their friendship blossoming into a deep and comforting connection. They explored new hobbies, visited local exhibits, and often ended their days with long conversations over dinner or a movie.

One evening, as they walked along the riverbank under a canopy of stars, Allura felt a surge of courage. She turned to Lance, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Lance," she started, her voice slightly shaky, "these past few weeks with you have been really special to me. I've loved every moment we've spent together, and I feel like we've really connected on a deeper level." She paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "I was wondering, how do you feel about making things exclusive between us? I really like you, and I don't really want to see anyone else. What do you think?" She held her breath, waiting for his response, hoping for positive affirmation to her heartfelt inquiry.

Lance's breath caught in his throat as he paused, absorbing her words under the blanket of stars. His gaze met hers, reflecting a mix of admiration and surprise. "Allura," he finally spoke, his voice carrying a warmth that softened the night air around them. "I'm really glad you brought this up. Honestly, I've been feeling the same way, but I wasn't sure how to say it." He took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving hers. "These weeks have been amazing. You're incredible, and I love how easy it feels to be with you, how natural everything is."

Lance reached out, taking her hands gently in his. "I would love that."

Allura sighed a breath of relief. "I don't think I'm quite ready to date anyone yet, exactly but... I want to be with you."

Lance nodded. "That's okay." He squeezed her hands reassuringly. "We can take things at whatever pace you're comfortable with. There's no rush. What's important is that we both know how we feel about each other."

A smile spread across Allura's face, her earlier nervousness fading into the serene night around them. "Thank you, Lance. That means a lot to me." She pulled him into a tight embrace, releasing with a bright smile on her face. "Well, I've got to go home and rest," she said. "I'm meeting with a friend tomorrow morning to study."

Lance nodded. "Okay, I'll walk you home."

As they walked side by side, the silence between them was comfortable, filled with the unspoken promise of their newfound understanding. Lance glanced at Allura, feeling a surge of gratitude for her presence in his life. "You know," he said softly, "I think this is just the beginning of something really special."

Allura smiled, her heart fluttering with anticipation. "I believe so too," she replied, her voice carrying a note of hope and excitement. They continued their stroll, each step solidifying their bond, under the watchful gaze of the stars above.

Once they arrived to Allura's building, she gave Lance a chaste kiss to wish him farewell. "I'll see you later," she said.

"Yeah, bye," he said. "Have a good night."

She miles warmly at home and gave a little wave before walking inside. Lance watched until she was out of his sight before he began to make his way back to his dorm.

As Lance walked back to his dorm, the quiet of the night allowed his thoughts to drift. The recent weeks with Allura had indeed been incredible, comforting, and filled with laughter and mutual respect. They had built something beautiful together, something he cherished and looked forward to every day. Yet, as he strolled under the luminescent glow of the streetlights, a familiar ache tugged at his heart, a reminder of the unresolved feelings he harbored for Keith.

Lance shook his head, trying to dispel the bittersweet emotions that surfaced whenever he thought of Keith. It was a different connection, intense and fraught with challenges, but it was one he knew he had to put behind him. Tonight, Allura had opened her heart to him, showing her vulnerability and trust, and he had reciprocated with sincerity. Being with Allura was right; it was good. They shared a bond that was wholesome and promising. "This is for the best," Lance muttered to himself, a mantra to steady his resolve. "Allura and I have something special, and I'm going to give this my all."

With that thought anchoring him, Lance felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was ready to embrace this new chapter with Allura, filled with optimism about their future together. The road ahead wouldn't be without its challenges, but for now, he was determined to be present and fully committed to the path he and Allura were paving together.

As he approached his dorm, the cool breeze carried a refreshing calm that mirrored the peace settling in his heart. The streets were quiet, only the distant sound of the city's nightlife faintly echoing in the background. Lance paused for a moment, looking up at the clear sky, the stars twinkling as if in celebration of his new beginning.

He knew the journey ahead with Allura wouldn't just be about romance; it would be about growth, understanding, and support. The complexities of his past feelings for Keith had taught him about the depths of emotional ties, and now, with Allura, he was eager to explore a different kind of depth—one based on mutual respect, shared interests, and genuine affection.

Entering his dorm room, Lance was greeted by the soft glow of a lamp and the familiar sight of Keith, who was hunched over his laptop, headphones on, deep in concentration. He sighed and laid in his bed, trying not to lay any mind to Keith.

"You're back late," Keith said flatly, now used to Lance never being home once again.

"Yeah, was just... on a walk," Lance said. He still had yet to tell Keith about him and Allura, but can't help but feel guilty to do so.

Keith paused his work and looked over at Lance, his expression unreadable. "A walk, huh? Seems like you've been on a lot of those lately," he remarked, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

Lance shifted uncomfortably, sensing the weight of Keith's gaze. "Yeah, I like walks."

Keith nodded, turning his attention back to his laptop, but the air was tinged with a silent tension. Lance knew he had to address the situation soon, but for tonight, he decided to let it be. He lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind replaying the evening's events with Allura.

As the quiet hum of Keith's typing filled the room, Lance's thoughts drifted between his warm memories with Allura and the complex feelings he still had for Keith. He knew he had made a decision to pursue a relationship with Allura, one that promised mutual affection and respect, yet the unresolved emotions for Keith lingered, adding a layer of complexity to his feelings.

Lance eventually turned on his side, facing the wall, his eyes slowly closing as he tried to find sleep amidst the whirlwind of emotions. The decision to move forward with Allura was firm, but he also knew that the path to clarity about his feelings for Keith was necessary for his peace of mind.