Prompts: Painful Hug
It took him by surprise, the hug.
Keith always seemed to have trouble figuring out what Lance's attitude was towards him. Most days they would seem fine. Some days it seemed as though Lance could barely stand him. And on some occasions it would fluctuate between the two. He wished he knew why Lance was like this towards him. Sure the guy could be a hot head, and he always reacted to things genuinely. Perhaps that's what drew Keith to him, the authenticity. If Lance liked someone, they all knew. If Lance disliked someone it was all on display. That also contributed to Keith's confusion. Why was Lance so warm in one moment and cold the next.
Keith's own feelings were complicated enough, regardless of how Lance viewed him.
No, not complicated. That wasn't the right word.
Right now, after a successful mission, when they were all getting along and complimenting each other, things began to feel so simple. He loved Lance. He loved his bright smile and silly quirks. He loved his snarky attitude and sense of justice. He loved how he carried himself confidently in public, despite how he collapsed under insecurity in private. He loved how his eyes lit up in wonder at the marvels of the universe and how he cried when he missed his home.
Lance was the one that was complicated. Keith's feelings were simple.
The truth was simple as well: Lance would never see him in the same light.
It was something that he had accepted long ago. But accepting it didn't take the pain away. Didn't make it hurt any less.
Keith had tried to become content where he was, at his side, held at arm's length. He was important to Lance, as a teammate, and that would have to be enough. But it was hard to have what he wanted within reach, knowing that he could never have it.
Which is why now, as Lance hugged him, Keith felt as though he might break.
Because this is what he wanted. Lance holding onto him. Pressed against him so close he could feel his heartbeat. Surrounded by his scent that reminded him of citrus and jasmine. It was intoxicating and it was exactly what Keith wanted. Needed.
If only it didn't hurt so much.
Lance was like broken glass. The tighter he held him the deeper it cut.
"You did good out there," Lance affirmed in a low voice, right at his ear.
Something sleeping inside Keith awoke with a roar. It simmered as it coiled low in his gut, causing a reaction that was most unwelcome. He might just die.
Hunk laid a hand on Lance's shoulder. "Okay, buddy, enough. Keith looks like he's in literal pain."
"Nonsense!" Lance declared, but he released him all the same. "My hugs are legendary!"
That they fucking were, Lance. That they fucking were.
