Room 1013

The War Over the Mountains

Keith woke up before Lance. He was curled up in his arms, cheek against his chest. The curtain was pulled back, so the sunrise washed the room with reds and golds. They all shone on Lance's skin and radiated an angelic glow. Lance kept his lips parted when he slept. His eyes rolled from side to side and his eyelashes fluttered. Keith felt calm and safe in his arms. He nuzzled his face into his skin and breathed in his scent. That was something different about Lance. No, not different. Distinct. His terracotta skin was weaved with sunlight and flowers. Keith first noticed it in the hospital, but he assumed it was the plant gifts he received. Sleeping next to him then confirmed what Keith knew was true.

Keith uncurled his arm and placed his hand on Lance's cheek. A deep breath filled his chest and hugged Keith. Lance adjusted his position, holding him tighter and bringing Keith's hand back to his chest.

A smile warmed Keith's face. His lips let out a whispered tune, "Guess I never change." He chuckled at himself then closed his eyes, hoping to catch a little more sleep in Lance's arms.

He opened his eyes to a bright field. He was lying in a bed of orange flowers looking up at a powder blue sky with wisps of cream. Rays of sun were cast down on the bright grass. A gentle wind carried petals of purple and red across the field. Keith turned his head up to scan his surroundings. Hills and mountains of beautiful flowers acted as a barrier around him. Above them, clouds of black and grey puffed up into the sky. A screen of flashing red and orange lit up the hilltops.

Keith looked beside him to see Lance gazing up at the sky with a content smile and light blush. The flowers surrounding him were yellow and bright blue. The sun curled itself into his hair and stroked his skin. Lance noticed Keith's stare and looked up at him. Strands of his creamy brown hair fell over his nose with the movement. His smile faded slightly as he did, yet his cheeks remained flushed. The color of his eyes matched both the stunning beauty of the scenery and the horrifying war behind the mountains. Both sides of the same coin.

Lance's lips parted and moved as if he said something, but it was inaudible.

Keith scrunched his eyebrows together, "What?"

Lance repeated his words slower, but he still couldn't hear him. He looked up to the mountains, red reflecting in his eyes.

Keith followed his gaze and looked over the hills. A fire had started to climb over them and burn the flowers and beautiful grass. Keith's eyes widened as he turned back to Lance.

Lance gave him a faint smile and opened his mouth again. Look over there.

Keith jolted awake and sat up holding his chest. It was all a dream? Why? What did it mean?

"Are you alright?"

Keith turned his head to see Lance pulling a shirt over his shoulders. A concerned look was painted on his face.

Keith held his head and let out a weak sigh, "Yeah, just a dream."

Lance limped over and sat down on the edge of the bed, "What was it about?"

Keith thought over what happened. He didn't remember much-it was all too fuzzy. He recalled the flowers and fire and what Lance said. Keith held a hand to his chin, "Look over there?"

Lance cocked his head and furrowed his brow. Keith lifted his head and scanned the room. Fire? What did that mean? Nothing was out of place. Lance's room was just that-a bedroom. What am I supposed to-

His eyes landed on a certain object on top of Lance's dresser. Keith's mouth fell open. He kept his eyes locked on as he pulled the blankets off and maneuvered his way over to it. Sitting peacefully next to a stack of cd cases was a small, worn stuffed lion. Keith lifted his hand and gently picked it up with the tips of his fingers. He held its sides and stared into its black button eyes. Keith's voice was a breathy whisper, "You kept it."

Lance popped over his shoulder, "Whatcha doing?" His eyes met the lion's.

Keith turned to stare up at him, "You kept it." He took in a shaky breath, "When I was in the hospital the first time, my parents gave me this." His eyes widened, "It helped me get better, so I thought it could help make you better."

Lance locked gazes with him and joined in. They spoke simultaneously, "I hope you wake up soon so we can play together."

They stared at each other for what seemed like hours. After forever, Lance finally opened his mouth again, "It really was you."