The Secrets Within Ourselves (KLANCE)

21: Safe With You

Song Of The Chapter:
Neptune - Sleeping At Last

Lance woke up before dawn the next morning.
He blinked before shifting, until he felt arms wrapped around his torso. Blushing, Lance realized that it was nobody other than Keith.

The thought of Keith, his "rival", sleeping in the same bed gave him goosebumps.
In some ways, he desperately wanted to escape. To flee and do something that would take away the foreign feelings that were brewing inside him.
But at the same time, he wanted to grasp onto the moment for as long as possible, because Lance knew it would probably never happen again. He wouldn't feel the warm, protective grip around him. Wouldn't hear Keith's soft breathing as he slept.
The more and more time Lance spent with Keith, the more he felt as if he was shattering from the inside, split between two worlds.

There was a moments hesitation as Lance decided whether or not to get up. He didn't want to wake the sleeping boy, but at the same time, he knew he had to plan.
With a quiet exhale, Lance slipped carefully out of the other's grasp, his feet hitting the floor. He then walked to his drawers to change before plopping himself down at the desk and pulling out his computer.
He pulled up a map, as well as some documents his father sent him. Getting knowledge on what he was up against was his highest priority. It wasn't a good idea to swoop in without any idea on what to expect.

A while later, a shuffle alerted Lance that Keith had woken up. He turned his head to look at the drowsy boy.
"Good morning," Lance said with slight unease. How was Keith gonna react being in another bed?
"Mmm.... good morning." Keith propped himself up with his elbow, looking over to Lance.
Lance lowered his laptop screen.
"Sleep okay?" Keith asked, concern still flashing in his eyes.
Lance nodded, looking away. He didn't mention the horrid nightmares that claimed his sleep.
"Yeah, it was okay. I've had better."
Keith nodded, stretching before getting up.
He brushed out his hair before throwing on a plain white shirt. "I'm going to go get some breakfast, because you obviously haven't made an effort to get any food for yourself."
Lance laughed lightly.
"Thanks."
Keith smiled before grabbing his wallet and heading out. Lance watched him leave, before turning down to work again.

When Keith arrived back, Lance had most of the plan figured out. Keith walked in through the door, carrying a bag with pastries.
Lance couldn't help but take a moment to stare at Keith.
The early morning light was filtering through the window, illuminating his hair and face. Lance admired his movements, the way he laughed when he explained something about his trip to get the pastries.
In that moment, Lance felt as if he was home. There was an openness, a bright, safe feeling inside him as he sat there.
Lance blushed when the two shared a glance at each other, looking away in embarrassment.

There was a breaking feeling in his chest. It was an aching, cold, gaping hole.
Lance knew he had feelings for Keith.
He wanted love and to be loved.
But, love was risky. It came with a price.
He wanted to spill all his feelings to Keith, showing the other how he truly felt.
But he... didn't know how.
He couldn't.
When Keith was looking away, Lance buried his face in his hands.
He couldn't let any emotions get in the way of his tasks. He didn't want to get Keith involved.
If his father found out about his feelings for Keith and his growing softness toward "Slate", he would be sure to kill Keith.
Lance remembered his father once said, "Lance, love is a weakness. A plague that will forever haunt you if you let it grow. Kill that weakness. Let go of those you care about."
The thing was, Lance cared about too many people. But maybe attempting to push away any feelings for Keith would keep him safe.
Keith's voice cut through his worried thoughts.
"What do you want?"
Lance blinked, before looking down to the different pastries. "Um," Lance hesitated. "I guess I will have a chocolate croissant and one of those berry things."
Keith nodded, putting them on a plate and giving it to him. Lance thanked him, digging in. He was, in fact, hungry. He just didn't have any will to take care of himself. Lance let out a small sound of delight from the wonderful taste.
"Where did you get these?"
Keith took a bite of his apple strudel before responding.
"Shiro's family friend owns a bakery a few blocks away. Altea Coffee and Sweets."
Lance nodded, recognizing the name.
"I've heard of it and passed it but i've never been inside."
Keith shrugged, taking another pastry. Lance threw away his plate before picking up his phone.
"I'm gonna make a call, so be quiet."
He assumed it would be fine to call his dad in the same room, as long as he kept the plan hidden.
Dialing the number, he waited in tension as it rang.
After a few seconds, his father picked up.
"Lance?"
"Hi."
"What do you need? Make it quick."
Lance took a moment to glimpse at Keith before speaking.
"What date are they coming home from their trip? They don't seem to be home at the moment."
Lance had already checked the monitors outside the house twice that morning.
So far nothing.
There was silence for a moment. The distinct sound of a keyboard clicking away.
"Tomorrow. Sometime around 5:30 or so."
Lance nodded, glancing at his computer.
"Alright... Thanks."
He hung up.
Keith was gazing at him, an unreadable expression painted on his face.
Lance turned away from him, noislessly packing a small backpack.
"You heading out?" Keith sat up, watching as Lance put on a black hoodie.
Without turning around, the Cuban boy hummed a response. "I'm going to pay my mom a visit."