Lance, Please

History Has It's Eyes On Lance

“Shiro. You wanted to see me?” Lance asked, poking his head through the door to Shiro's office. Absorbed in his work, Shiro motioned for him to come in, not looking away from his work. Nervously, Lance came in and sat down. “Am I in trouble?”

Shiro looked up, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “I can't think of a better way to say this,” He began, Lance's face scrunching in confusion. Shiro held up a hand, motioning for him to wait. “So I'm gonna do this in a way I hope you understand.” Ignoring Lance's questions, Shiro started with a smile as Pidge's music machine kicked in.

“I was younger than you are now when I was given my first command.” Lance felt his eyes widen as Shiro stared forlornly down at the pages covering the desk.”I led my men straight into a massacre, I witnessed their deaths firsthand.”

A soft ‘Oh.’ echoed in the room as Lance's mind whirled, trying to comprehend what Shiro was trying to tell him. Noticing his struggle, Shiro put a hand on Lance's shoulder, making Lance meet his eyes.

“I made every mistake, and felt the shame rise in me. And even now I lie awake,” Shiro continued, smiling softly at Lance, who seemed to be catching on. “Knowing history has it's eyes on me.”

Pidge’s program was still doing it's job, filling the gaps with the ensemble part as Lance’s eyes widened and dropped to the ground in realization.

“History has it's eyes on me.” He breathed, Shiro's voice overpowering his own. Looking up again, Lance saw Shiro smiling in approval, eyes full of sadness.

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“Is singing dramatic duets how all humans talk things out?” Allura asked, ear pressed to the door in an attempt to hear better. Beside her, Hunk and Pidge snorted in amusement.

“Nah.” Pidge replied, beginning to drag them away. “It's more of a Lance thing. Let's give them some space.”

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“Let me tell you what I wish I'd known, when I was young and dreamed of glory.” Shiro sang, ignoring the shuffling right outside the door. “You have no control; Who lives, who dies, who tells your story.”

Both ignoring the tears glistening in their eyes, Shiro continued softly. “I know that we can win. I know that greatness lies in you. But remember from here on in,”

“History has it's eyes on you.” Lance sang softly once again, meeting Shiro's eyes once more as they sang together.

“History has it's eyes on you.”

The music faded out, leaving Shiro and Lance in the quiet of an empty office. Shiro moved first, surprising Lance by wrapping him in a tight hug and burrowing his face in Lance's neck. Snapping out of his reverie, Lance hugged Shiro back just as tight.

After a few tearstained minutes, the two broke apart, Shiro gripping Lance's shoulders tightly. “Remember I was an older brother too.” Shiro stated gently, gaining Lance's attention again. “I learned how to listen. Please. Use it, and help me understand.” He begged, receiving a nod and another hug from Lance.

“And one more thing.” Shiro said, watching as Lance turned to leave. Lance looked over his shoulder, motioning that he was listening. “No more stupid self-sacrificing stunts. Please.”

Lance gave him a sad smile. “No promises, but I can try.”

The door slid shut behind him, leaving Shiro alone to gather his thoughts.

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Down the hall, Hunk, Pidge, and Allura watched Lance leave the room, headed for the barracks. The three exchanged worried glances.

“Do you think it worked?” Hunk asked, watching his best friend worriedly. All he got in return was a small shrug from both.

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Stopping to wipe his eyes, Lance tilted his head to the ceiling. ‘Thank you...Shiro.’