STAY (Completed)

Chapter 9

LANCE

I rose early to find everyone asleep. Hunk whom was supposed to be keeping watch had dozed off near the barn doors.

I stifled a snort and placed his jacket over him to keep him warm. I glanced back at Keith. He was leaning back against the wall opposite of everyone else. Cosmo was sleeping soundly curled next to him.

I half smiled at the innocence on his face.

He's kind of cute when's he's asleep. When he's awake he's just grumpy and confusing.

Like really confusing.

I left the barn to do some business in private. I stepped outside placing my hands on my hips and drew in a deep breath.

The air here smelled sweet and fresh. There was no sense of decay, or fear at the moment. Everything on this farm seemed in it's own way relaxed and calm.

I emerged from the woods feeling better and was headed back to the barn when I realised we were on a lavender farm.

Behind the wooden fixture was a field of purple. It was breathtaking as the sun rose high above shining down on the field changing the colors from lavender to deep purple with hues of blue.

I found myself drawn to the field. The aroma of flowers giving me a sense of peace.

I treked through the field. My fingers grazed over the soft buds as I brushed by.

The smell reminded me of my grandmother. She loved lavender. Her ivory soap was laced with it, and when I hugged her she smelled so sweet.

I paused in the center of the field as a feeling of loneliness swept over me.

My family was gone. There was no way they had survived the virus. I got lucky, but all of them-

My parents, siblings, abuelita, nieces and nephews, were they that lucky?

What do we do now anyway?

We found Coran and Allura. Two people who can get us some answers, but where does that leave me with Keith?

If they confirm Shiro isn't or wasn't at the Garrison he'll leave and go search for him.

Then what do I do?

I- mean we, what do we do?

My revere was cut short as light footsteps approached me from behind. I spun around to find Keith watching me warily.

"Oh, hey Keith." I quickly turned away to wipe away the tears that threatened to spill over.

I pasted on a smile and faced him again.

"Watcha doin out here?" I asked shoving my hands into my pockets.

"I could ask you the same." His voice was monotone, and uncaring, but his deep violet eyes seemed to hold an understanding.

I scratched the back of my head nervously.

"Just needed some air." I dropped a shoulder.

"Okay." Keith stepped forward until he passed me. He glanced over his shoulder as if challenging me to follow.

Not one to back down from a challenge I followed him.

We walked side by side in the field. Neither of us breaking the quiet awkward tension. The only sound was our footsteps against the dirt.

We stopped when we were halfway through the maze of lavender.

"It's okay to miss them. Even if you don't know what's happened." Keith finally broke the silence.