Hearts don't break around here

Chapter 9: gingerbread cookies

Junior year (College)

"Lance, it's not going to fit."

Lance snorts loudly. "That's what she said."

Keith rolls his eyes. "I'm serious . And it's like, way too expensive."

They stand side by side, staring at the tree in front of them. It was Lance's idea to go out and get a Christmas tree for their tiny college apartment this year, and Keith has been against it since the beginning. It's just not logical. Their apartment is too small. Where will it go? What will they do with it when it's dying?

"Snickers, where is your Christmas spirit? Did it die along with the rest of your soul?"

"I can have Christmas spirit and still think logically about things." Keith says emotionlessly. "Also, I'm fucking freezing ."

The Christmas tree farm is located about an hour outside of town, where the snow is much heavier. Lance is practically swimming in layers of clothing. The only thing visible is the red tip of his nose and a small strip of his eyes. Because Keith is normal , he doesn't own four winter coats; and it turns out that maybe Lance was on to something. Because Keith's black hat and gray puffy coat are nothing against the bitter cold air.

"Also how are we going to even get it home? A taxi drove us here, remember? We don't have a car to tie it to."

Lance shrugs. "Tie it to the taxi? I don't know! We'll figure it out. Just help me pick one." He grabs Keith's shoulders, shaking him. "Come on! This is supposed to be fun , you wet blanket!"

Keith sighs, a small smile making its way into his face. "Okay. Fine. But this one is too fat."

Lance gasps, turning to the tree and patting it. "He didn't mean it, tree. You are beautiful just the way you are."

"I'm leaving." Keith deadpans.

Lance laughs. "Okay, okay I'm sorry. What about that one?" He points to the a smaller tree next to Keith.

"It's like...missing spots. Look it's all bunchy at the bottom." His nose wrinkles. Lance blinks at him.

"Dude. It's a tree."

"You told me to help you decide! I'm just giving my opinion."

Lance chuckles. "Your opinion is exhausting ." He drones. "But okay. Let's just keep looking then."

Keith deliberately leads them to the section of the farm with the extremely small trees. Lance rolls his eyes, but doesn't object. The snow on the ground is freshly fallen; still fluffy and light. The air smells like pine and firewood. Keith actually loves places like this. He loves the outdoors. College hasn't really allowed for relaxing time in the fresh air, so going out like this to far away locations is comforting and refreshing.

"What 'bout this one?" Lance asks, pointing to a small, skinny tree.

Keith frowns. "It doesn't...look jolly."

Lance sighs. " That one?" He points to another shorter tree.

"Lopsided."

"I'm going to smack you." Lance says, groaning. "Why are you so picky?"

"I'm not picky! I just know what I want."

"Which is what?"

Keith hums, looking around. "It's got to have a certain...look..." His eyes fall on a small, well proportioned tree behind Lance. "Bingo."

Lance raises an eyebrow, turning around and following Keith's line of sight. " That one? It's so small!"

"Have you forgotten what our apartment looks like?" Keith asks incredulously. "It'll look huge once it's in there."