Long Time No See (Klance)

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None of us ever really talked during my
time with the Blades.
And we found it unnecessary to engage in pointless "chit chat" unless it was for a mission.
Most down time was spent in complete silence.

It was no different now as Kolivan flew the ship up to the docking port of the castle.

I gave my silent goodbye salute, opened the doors, and walked into the jetbridge that connected the ship to the castle.
I heard the airlock open and then close again as the ship disconnected from the castle and took off.

It was quiet. I didn't hear a sound other than my own footsteps echoing though the marble halls.
Everyone must've been asleep.....which was understandable.
It was pretty late for them....
I think.

My sense of time was severely distorted from being away for so long and focusing solely on missions. I couldn't tell you what day it was, or if it were am or pm.
All I knew was that a lot of time had passed. And that things would be different here..
——

I made my way to the armoury, took off my BOM suit, and changed back into my regular clothes. My paladin armour hung in pristine condition in the glass case I left it.
However, It looked whiter than when I'd last seen it... had someone cleaned it?

I hung my suit in the empty glass
case and walked out of the room.
I tiptoed down the darkened hallway towards my bedroom; being careful not to make too much noise.
I ran my hand along the smooth marble walls, feeling the grooves I'd brushed my fingers over hundreds of times.
It had been so long since I'd been back.
It truly seemed like an eternity.

I walked with my eyes to the ground when I suddenly noticed a faint red light reflecting off the smooth marble floors. I looked up to see where it was coming from and saw the pulsating glow from the lounge entrance.

I walked towards the room and peered my head inside the darkened doorway.
To my surprise, six glowing red balloons floated ominously around the room. I watched them curiously for a while before my eyes followed them to a white silhouette hanging on the far wall. I was unable to tell what it was until one of the balloons floated closer towards it.

"We you missed Keith?" I read aloud to myself.
I scratched my head, confused.
Was that supposed to make sense?

I read it again.
Oh!
It said "We missed you Keith!"

I was caught off guard.
A banner for me?

I was startled out of my thoughts by a small snore coming from the centre of the room.
I followed the noise inside and was greeted by Lance, fast asleep and drooling on the couch.
Had he done all this?

I felt a twinge of guilt in the pit of my stomach.
How long had he been waiting up for me?
I was a lot later than I originally told them...
I looked around the room and noticed he was alone. There were red and blue streamers hung feebly around the room. And in the far corner was a table with what looked like a 5 tiered goo cake.
I couldn't help but chuckle.
It was ugly, but he must've worked hard with what he had here in the castle.
And it's the thought that counts..

I walked quietly up to lance.
He was sprawled out on the couch, surrounded by a pile of streamers.
His soft snoring filled the deafening silence of the castle.

I took off my jacket, draped it over him, and pushed a strand of hair out of his face, tucking it behind his ear.
His hair was really starting to get long.
It was kind of adorable.
Who had the mullet now?

Lance was a lot cuter when he was asleep and not talking. However I kind of missed the shrill sound of his voice.
It had been so long...

I smiled softly at him and turned towards the table.

I cut a generous slice from the goo cake and plopped it on a plate.
I almost missed the goo considering I had to eat ancient Galran army rations almost every day.
The powdered substance had a very faint chemical taste. A few mouthfuls and you were full for the day. It was meant only to be consumed for sustenance and not for the culinary art, obviously.

I shuddered at the thought. Yuck.

With my food in hand, I turned and looked back at the sleeping boy.
I couldn't help but smile.
A glittery warm feeling welled within my chest.
"Thank you Lance."
I whispered softly.
"I missed you too..."

——