Red

31

Keith was sitting in Iverson's class, completely overwhelmed. He didn't know how Lance was. He didn't know where he was either.

Anxiety and paranoia taking over his leg begins to bounce. He looks down at his hands, nails were nubs. Lance hated when he chewed at his nails and cuticles.

He lifts a finger to his mouth, tearing away at the skin around his nails. Nearly wincing at the pain of his skin being ripped open. It was nearly carnivorous, ravenous.

Blood pools and sits there until Keith sucks at the area. Moving on to another finger. Skin lifted and bloodied. His left leg bouncing faster now.

His other hand scratching slightly at his face. He pays no attention to the jumbled words Iverson is spilling out. Zoned out, dead to the class.

"Kogane."

He zones back in, snapping out of the hole.

"Yes sir?"

"Can you tell me exactly what I just said?"

Keith stares blankly, gears turning in his head. Blank. Nothing. Lance.

"Uhh- no, sir. I'm afraid I can't. Could I step to the hall?"

"You've got 2 minutes."

Keith grabs his bag and rushes out of the class. Heading to an exit. He had to see if Lance was okay.

Anxiety eating away at the back of his mind. Everything screaming that this wasn't like Lance. He would've told Keith if he had therapy or if he was sick.

Lance would've texted him. He hadn't gotten any all day and it was nearly the end of the school day. Keith walks faster, pace close to a jog.

He gets to Lance's apartment and knocks. Waiting and waiting for a response. Calliope's figure stands there, a confused smile playing on her lips.

"Keith?"

"Is Lance here? He didn't- he didn't text me and I'm- I-I'm freaking out."

"He's fine, Keith. He had a reschedule with his therapist. Marco took him a bit ago. You're welcome to stay if you'd like."

"No- no I don't wanna impose. I already did- god I really am clingy. I'm sorry Calliope you probably have work or something- I'm gonna go. Thank you for reassurance though." Keith smiles, spinning on his heels.

He heads out of the apartment building and down the main street to get to his. Anxiety still thrumming through his veins. He chews at his bottom lip, skin easily tearing off. Blood spilling across it.

Copper. Keith enjoyed the taste if he were honest. He liked the look of it too. His tongue runs along his lips collecting the thick red liquid.

Once he's home he opens the door. Cursing when he spots Shiro's shoes, along with a foreign pair.

"Shiro?" Keith calls out, padding from the entry to the living room.

It takes a moment but Keith gets a rugged Shiro in the hall.

"What- what are you doing home?" Shiro rasps.

"Uh- Did I interrupt something?"

"No! Yes? I don't know! What are you doing here?!"

"Freaked out at school."

"Are you okay? Is Lance okay?"

"I'm fine, Lance had a therapy appointment that we both didn't know about. Freaked me out cause he hasn't texted me."

"So you felt the need to leave school?"

"Yes?? I care about Lance and I wanted to make sure he was okay. Clearly you don't know what its like to care for a significant other."