An Age a Month

6 Months Part 2

The next day came too quickly for Keith's liking. He knew that he wouldn't be able to stay with Lance for the day like he wanted. That's his instincts wanted too. But if Lance was to age up he needed to feel safe.

It had been decided that Shiro would stay away from Lance until they had managed to sort whatever was wrong with him. It also seemed that Shiro triggered bad memories and if Lance was to age up, Shiro had to stay away.

There was a debate between Hunk and Allura as to who Lance would get to know first, but ultimately Hunk won, being the person Lance sort of knew and had been around the past couple of days. Gathering in the lounge, Keith held a very awake and smiley Lance, but stayed back as he saw everyone there already.

He had hoped he could spend more time with the child.

Hunk cautiously stepped forward and greeted the now quiet Lance in Keith's arms.

"Hiya Lance! It's me Hunk! I'm going to look after you today " Hunk gave Lance a heartwarming smile.

Lance stared a Hunk for awhile and it seemed that he might go to Hunk, but as Hunk drew closer, tears sprung into Lances eyes and he grabbed at Keith's shirt hiding his tiny face in his chest. Surprised at the sudden movement, Keith moved Lance from his hip to lying on his shoulder. Tiny fists curled around his black shirt, muffled wails could be heard.

Keith stepped back away from the group, gently patting Lances back. "See! He's not ready, he should stay with me until-"

"You can't expect to return Lance to normal by yourself!" Allura cut in.

Keith stopped, the stared the princess down. "Yes, I can and I will."

Hunk looked exasperated. "Keith please, we all want to help him-"

Keith cut him off. "Lance showed us that we were onto something before, maybe this is him saying that he doesn't want anyone else."

"Keith.." Shiro stepped forward.

Lance had since calmed down and turned to look round the room again. But as soon as Shiro came closer, Lance screamed and wriggled in Keith's grip. Shiro immediately stopped and Keith retreated further to the back of the room. Coran came forward and approached the pair. Lance spotted him and gradually calmed down, Shiro no longer in his eyesight.

"At least let me help my boy." Coran rested a hand on Keith's free shoulder.

Keith looked down at Lance, who was staring at Coran. A tiny watery smile appeared on his face.

"Fine.."

Keith turned to leave, Coran following.

"WAIT! Keith! Please you can't just shut us out" Hunk cried, his voice desperate.

Keith looked back at him.

"I'm sorry Hunk"

~~

Bringing the child back to his room, Keith sat on the floor, Lance in his lap. Immediately Lance picked up the toys that lay scattered on the floor.

Coran sat opposite.

"I can get some supplies for him, if you like. There must be some things for child still lying around."

Keith nodded and mumbled thanks. Coran left to grab some things.

"I'm going to take care if you I promise."

~~

Keith's room had been turned into a nursery. An Altean cot lay at the end of Keith's bed, toys and clothes for Lance were now in a separate wardrobe. Keith only brought Lance to meals with the others, so if Lance saw them in the corridor he wouldn't freak out. He grew very close to Keith and Coran, and was starting to age up naturally. Whenever Lance slept, the two worked on aging him up quicker.

A few months and passed and Lance was now nearly 1 and had started babbling animatedly to Keith as they sat in Keith's room. Stuffed toys were Lances favourite thing and he forced Keith and sometimes Coran to play with him.

All day.

Keith watched Lance fondly as the child played with two stuffed lions, courtesy of Coran, babbling very loudly. Lance stopped suddenly when he noticed Keith wasn't playing.

"Dada!"

Keith snapped into attention. "What?" He stared at Lance.

"Dada!" Lance cried smiling.

Keith broke into a smile and jumped up. Lance seeing the excitement bounced in his seat and raised his arms for Keith to pick him up. Keith complied, lifting him onto his hip.

"You're first words! We have to tell Coran!"

Lance laughed and he began to shine. Keith squinted as Lance seemingly disappeared. When the light disappeared Keith held 3 year in old Lance.

~~~~~

Hi,

Sorry this took so long and isn't very long.

A lot has happened over the past few weeks and I just needed some time to get my head round things. I hope to update a bit more often but please be patient :).

Thank you for everyone's support :(

Alice xx