Room 1013

Rehab

Lance let the faint music guide his yoga routine. The wind stroked his face and brushed his hair as the sun warmed his skin. His body relaxed into the deep stretches, giving him a wave of comfort. He breathed slowly, filling up his lungs and letting it out deliberately. As he finished, he let his mind stay blank and calm. Yoga had become a newfound passion since he'd been in the facility.

"Alright class, that's all for today." The instructor gave them a bow. "I will see you tomorrow."

Lance sat on his mat as he watched the other members gather their things and head back to the building. He turned to look out over the water next to them. The ocean sang for them, reminding him of the days behind him. Of old relationships and new friends. It was soothing to allow himself to remember the days he ran from. He was proud of how far he had travelled. His life was finally starting. It was as if his slate was wiped clean and thrown out a window.

Lance was finally okay.

"Hey! Lover boy!" A cheery voice called out to him.

Lance turned his head to meet the gaze of a younger girl with red hair and prominent freckles. He smiled at her, "Hello, Ginger."

She flipped her long ponytail and placed a hand on her hip. She had her blue yoga mat under her arm. "What are you doing?"

Lance stood and rolled up his mat. The sun casted a flash onto his ring, bringing a warmth to his chest. "I was just thinking."

"About what?"

Lance started walking back to the facility with her. "Just my life before."

Ginger's face slowly lit up as a smile crept across her cheeks. "Are you excited?"

Lance shrugged, "I guess so. It feels weird, though."

"Hmm?" She tilted her head as she opened the glass door to the lobby. "How so?"

"Well," Lance clicked his teeth and waved to the receptionist when they passed. "It just feels like I've been here so long. Like everything before was just a dream."

She playfully punched his arm, "Don't be a baby! Won't you go back to your husband?"

Lance took a long breath and stopped in front of his room door. He placed his hand on the wall and lowered his eyes to his feet. "I'm not sure if he'll see me."

"Oh, right!" Ginger recoiled with a sheepish smile. "Sorry, I forgot."

Lance gave her a smile and shook his head. "It's really okay. I'm not upset anymore. I just hope I can fix some things I broke-with everyone." He opened the door and stepped inside.

Ginger held the door open to poke her head in. "See you in a few hours! I'm happy for you!"

Lance took the extra time to pamper himself. The facility he went to was definitely luxury. He had no idea who was paying for it, but he was thankful nonetheless. He went down to the spa and got a massage, then returned to his room to listen to music. He started out only swaying to the beat, which ended in him full-out dancing around the bed as he pretended to read a book. It reminded him of when he learned to dance with Keith. Most of the time they just teased each other or made out on the couch, but the routine was learned. It was Keith's wish.

After Lance got ready, he packed all of his stuff up. Before, he would have just stuffed everything in, but now he took care to have it look nice. It was a lot easier to put away when he didn't have to fight with his clothes. He wore his jeans and a button-down shirt, finishing it off with formal shoes. Today was important. He didn't need to be too dressed up, but it was best to look nice.

Lance brought his stuff down to the waiting area and left it with the receptionist. She was always peppy and nothing but nice to him during his entire stay. Once he was all set, he joined the group in a circle of comfy chairs. He met all of these people during his stay. They all had stories of their own. Intricate lives that were as deep and complicated as his own. They were there for each other-whether they realized it or not.

Lance took a seat and smiled at everyone. The leader stood up and started the mini ceremony. "Graduation" is what the facility called it. Everyone found it really cheesy, but it was an important part in everyone's journey. After he conducted his speech, he had Lance stand up and placed a heart stone in his hand.

Lance gave him a hug and thanked him. He turned to the group and bid them farewell. It was time for him to leave. He didn't know what he was walking into, but he was ready for it-in both body and mind.

Lance waited until he saw Shiro's car pull up. He waved to the receptionists and exited the building, taking one last look back in thanks. He would be going to therapy appointments for a while to make sure he stayed clean and in sound mind. It was crucial to get his life together when he returned home; and he knew he would.

Lance turned and walked toward Shiro's car. It's time to go home.

As he was walking, the passenger side door opened. It confused him, but he kept walking. A brown boot and beige cardigan stepped out and shut the door.

Lance stopped dead in his tracks as his eyes met the beautiful crystal violet he fell in love with so long ago. Keith stood in front of the car with the softest smile Lance had ever seen. His hair had grown into the mullet he had before and regained its bright shine. His dewy skin was smooth and cast a radiant glow of happiness around him. Nothing could compare to the beauty in Keith's constellations and radiant suns. He was as even more stunning than Lance had remembered. A beautiful universe that had enough perfection to outshine the faults.

Keith took a breath and stepped forward. When he reached the wide-eyed Lance, he lifted the stuffed lion in his hands. "Hello Lance. I brought you something." He placed the lion's head in front of his mouth and used his fingers to move its stubby arms. "When I was in the hospital the first time, my parents gave me this. It helped us both get better on our own." His eyes glimmered as they watered. "So I thought it might help us get better together."

Keith uncovered his quivering lips, "So now that you're better, will you come home with me?"