STAY (Completed)

Chapter 8

KEITH

"Why didn't I hear about this sooner?!" Shiro's irate tone reached me even through the thick glass wall.

I winced in sympathy. Shiro almost never got angry, but when he did, it was a wrath I didn't wish on anyone.

There was a muffled response and a loud slam followed by a string of curses.

The door swung open to reveal Shiro's face. His features contorted between, fury, fear, and relief.

The last one confused me until he wrapped his arms around me in a vice-like grip.

"I'm so sorry Keith. I'm so sorry. I won't leave again." Shiro spoke in a mantra as he squeezed me.

"Shiro-can't-breathe." I gasped as he released me.

I felt guilt well up inside of me. It wasn't his fault. I had attacked the man, and gotten Shiro dragged into this mess. My mess.

Justified or not apparently it was wrong, and that pissed me off.

"It's fine Shiro. I can handle it." I shrugged. My ears still rang from his curses and threats to quit.

I didn't want that for him.

This is my fault.

I woke with a start. Sweat dampened my hair clinging it to my forehead.

When did I doze off?

I looked around me taking in my surroundings. I was in a convenience store. Pidge was curled up on my lap asleep. Hunk was across from me snoring away. His arm rested on Cosmo's fur.

Where's Lance?

I felt panic rise in my throat as I scanned the isle for a sign of the brunette. Movement caught my eye.

I slowly placed Pidge on the carpeted floor and rose to my feet. My hand hovered over the hilt of my dagger.

I peered around the corner of the isle to see Lance slouched over a turned over milk crate. He was staring out of the windows. His eyes blinking tiredly as he fought to stay awake.

He stayed up so I could sleep? Why? Wasn't he pissed at me still?

"Hey." I whispered approaching him. He jumped at the sound of my voice.

"Ohmygawd!" He bolted upright.

"Great first instinct when being taken by surprise. I'll have to try that. It might scare the undead." I snorted.

Lance pursed his lips in a scowl and narrowed his eyes in my direction.

I rubbed the back of my neck, toying with the hairs of my mullet nervously twirling a strand around my finger.

"About earlier- I'm sorry I snapped at you. My emotions were running high and I let them get the best of me sometimes." I dropped my arms to my sides.

"It's okay. You don't have to tell me why. I'm sorry I pushed you back there." Lance rubbed his arm.

"You should get some rest. We're leaving first thing in the morning. I'll keep watch." I took his seat on the milk crate.

"Thanks. For the record, whatever is going on between you and Pidge- I hope it works out." Lance's voice lowered as he turned and headed to the others.