Beyond the Veil (Threw My eyes book 2)

Healing

Lance gradually emerged from the depths of unconsciousness, his senses slowly returning to him.

The soft beeping of medical monitors and the sterile scent of the infirmary greeted him as he blinked his eyes open.

His body felt heavy, aching from the recent battle, but what filled his heart was the warmth of Keith curled up beside him.

Keith lay beside Lance, his head resting gently on Lance's shoulder, his arm draped over Lance's chest protectively. Even in sleep, Keith's expression held traces of worry and relief, his fingers loosely entwined with Lance's.

Lance's heart swelled with love, his throat tightening with emotion at the sight of Keith, so close and yet so vulnerable.

"Keith," Lance whispered softly, his voice barely a murmur in the quiet room.

He reached up with his free hand, brushing Keith's dark hair away from his forehead. Keith stirred at his touch, his eyelids fluttering open slowly.

"Lance?" Keith's voice was hoarse with sleep, filled with a mix of surprise and relief as he focused on Lance's face. "You're awake."

Lance managed a small, tired smile.

"Yeah," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm here."

Keith sat up slightly, concern etched on his features as he leaned closer to Lance.

"I was so scared," he admitted quietly, his eyes searching Lance's face as if trying to memorize every detail.

"When you collapsed... I thought..." He trailed off, unable to voice the fear that had gripped him.

Lance gently squeezed Keith's hand, feeling a rush of tenderness for this man who had become his rock. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

"I didn't mean to worry you."

Keith shook his head, a soft smile tugging at his lips despite the tears welling in his eyes.

"You're here now," he said softly, his thumb brushing over Lance's hand. "That's all that matters."

Lance's heart swelled with love, overwhelmed by the depth of Keith's affection.

"I love you Mullet," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity.

Keith's eyes softened even more, his own voice barely a whisper as he leaned in closer to Lance.

"I love you too," he replied, his breath warm against Lance's cheek.

They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped in each other's presence, the unspoken words hanging in the air between them.

Lance felt a surge of gratitude for having Keith by his side as his mate, for his unwavering support and the way he made Lance feel safe, even in the darkest of times.

The door to the room opened quietly, and Allura stepped in, her face softening with relief as she saw Lance awake.

"Lance," she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she approached the bed.

She reached out, brushing her fingers gently over his forehead.

"Allura," Lance murmured, his eyes meeting his sister's. "I'm sorry I worried you."

Allura shook her head, her eyes glistening with tears.

"Don't apologize, Lance. You were incredibly brave, stupid but brave. You need to rest now, to heal. We need you at 100%."

Lance nodded, the weight of his exhaustion settling over him. "I will. I promise."

Allura leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. "We're all here for you, Lance. You're not alone."

Keith nodded, his head never leaving Lance's chest. "We'll get through this, together. We'll find a way to defeat Bad Lotor and save everyone."

Lance closed his eyes, a tear slipping down his cheek.

He felt the warmth and love of his family surrounding him, their strength bolstering his own.

"I love you both," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

"We love you too," Allura and Keith said in unison, their voices a comforting presence.

Lance felt a wave of gratitude wash over him, a profound sense of love and belonging filling his heart.

Despite the hardships they faced, he knew they would face them together.

 As he closed his eyes, exhaustion pulling him back towards sleep, Lance held onto the warmth of Keith's hand in his, knowing that together, they could overcome anything.