Until I See You Again: War Of The White Lion

I'll Be Your Earth Dad

Lance's POV

(Here is a shorter chapter filled with comic relief. Let's check up on our favorite bi boi!)

I was let go from the recovery room not too long ago. They gave me some clothes to wear. I'm happy I saved my jacket. I carefully slipped it over my shoulders and when the nurses weren't looking, I slipped out of my room and snuck down the hall. I try to build up the courage to go ahead and ask, but It's not as easy as I thought it would be.

I shouldn't be here. Maybe he's busy. Maybe I should walk away? But I'm already here.

I'm leaning against the wall outside Shiro's room. I thought I'd get up the courage to ask him but I guess not.

I lean against the door slightly and I hear someone sleeping.

I knew it. I waited too long. I screwed over my chance. Oh well, there is always tomorrow. I hope.

"Lance? What are you doing here?" Someone says.

I look up to see Adam walking over to me from down the hall. I get nervous and my hands start sweating. I avert my eyes.

"H-hey, I uh, I just wanted to...never mind. I'll just go." I mutter, losing confidence. I try to walk past Adam and go back down the hall but he pulls me back with strength I didn't expect. He pulls me by the arm until I am standing in front of him face to face.

"I'm not taking that for an answer. Be assertive with yourself." He says firmly. Right, he'll always encourage us to ask for help when we need it.

He'll understand but I just can't face him. There are people around. They'll overhear us and we'll be exposed. I could hurt his career. I could hurt my own career before it officially begins. Unless being a paladin isn't a career and I'm going to have to get an actual job one day.

"It's not important." I mutter, trying to walk away again. Again, I am pulled back but this time with less force.

"Is it something just Shiro would understand?"

"Well, I mean yeah...I can ask later. He's sleeping."

"Okay, but you can ask me anything you know."

Adam used to be a teacher here. I used to have his class. I used to be in his class. He knew me when I was different so of course he's going to try to get me to stand up for myself now. Or do I look so pathetic it bothers him? The pressure is on. I'm getting nervous. Along the hallway, I think Adam seems to notice this. He slows down and starts talking to me again.

"I didn't mean to scare you. I just want to see you be assertive and open. I know you've been through a lot. You used to be so confident and forward with yourself. I miss that."

I avert my eyes and I stare at the floor taken aback. I didn't know he cared or even noticed me. I didn't know teachers took notice to things like that. Are they supposed to do that? And he remembered!

"I'm sorry."

"I don't want you to be sorry. You didn't do anything wrong. You just seemed like you really needed to know something or get something off your chest and I just want you to stand up for yourself. I have your back just like Shiro does."

I nod.

"Is this between you and Shiro? I won't shove myself into the conversation if it is really personal to the two of you,"

"Well, I mean, I can ask you about it. But can we go somewhere more, private?"

"Of course."

Adam and I walk down the hallway to an abandoned cafeteria. There are tables everywhere and we sit down facing each other far away from any doors where our voices could carry out into the hall. I could ruin everything if I talkd too loud.