The Secrets Within Ourselves (KLANCE)

47: Connections

Song Of The Chapter:
Someone To You - BANNERS

The door to the dorm opened, and Keith looked over to see Lance stepping inside.
The male's suit was slightly muddy, and Keith wondered where he went.
"Hey," Lance said, scratching the back of his neck in uncertainty.
"I'm back..."
Keith walked over, and he gazed rather fiercely into Lance's eyes for several moments.
Lance' face twitched with different facial expressions, as if he was trying to figure out if Keith was mad at him or not.
Keith didn't say anything. He just leaned forward and hugged Lance tight, the brunette's breath catching in his throat with the impact.
"I'm glad you're okay," was the only thing Keith said, and Lance tightened his grip.
"I-I didn't know-"
"It wasn't expected."
And all Lance could do was nod.

A comfortable silence filled the room for a while, the two just clinging to each other, basking in each other's presence.
Keith leaned back, finally, but didn't let go, instead placing his hands on Lance's shoulders and trying to catch the brunette's gaze.
"You're good?"
"I'm fine, Keith."
A small, relieved smile spread across Keith's face.
"I'm glad."

They spent the rest of the evening doing homework on Lance's bed. They ordered pizza for delivery, and spent the rest of the night simply keeping each other company.
It was an achingly soft night for Lance, something that he wanted to cherish forever.
Honestly, it was the small things he loved. The small jokes passed back and fourth, the wonderful sight of Keith's laugh. How Keith would trace Lance's arm or leg with his finger if he was bored. Every little detail.
And when it was time for bed, Lance really realized how lucky he was to have Keith in his life.

Who knows what it would be like if they never met.

Keith must have noticed Lance's thoughtful expression as he was getting ready to crawl into the brunette's bed.
"What are you thinking about?"
"You."
It was a painstakingly honest response, and it seemed to catch the dark haired boy off guard.
"Me?"
"Mhmm."
Keith lifted the covers to the bed and got settled, facing Lance, head propped on a pillow.
"What's coming to your mind about me?"
Lance shrugged, now slightly embarrassed now that he was put on the spot.
"I don't know... I just can't believe how lucky I am. I can't imagine what it would have been like of we didn't meet, friend or foe."
Keith smiled.
"You're giving me a lot more recognition than I need."
"Well take it or leave it, it's yours."

Keith snuggled in closer to Lance, resting his head on the brunette's chest. All he could hear was the rhythmic beat of Lance's chest, and it put Keith at ease.

Is this what love is?

They slept. It was the most restful night they'd had in a long while.

It seemed like everything was both ending and beginning at the same time. The thought was scary, but for once, they both felt whole.

-

The next few days were easy. School. Friends. Everything was settling down, Lance could tell.
On top of that, the Garrison accepted his request, but he was supposed to give a public speech.
It was the last stage.
Seeing if the rest of the world would accept him.
He was nervous, but honestly, he was ready.
All there was was waiting now.

"Lance, are you listening?"
The brunette blinked, snapping back to reality.
Keith was sitting next to him in the courtyard where they ate lunch. They were dismissed early, so they had some time to talk alone before the rest of the group came over.
"Uhh," Lance drew out a breath. "No, sorry. I completely spaced out," he answered honestly, with a hint of a chuckle in his voice.
Keith rolled his eyes, but there was no signs of irritation in his features.
"What were you saying?" Lance asked, leaning forward in the full intent to listen.
"We need to stop by the Garrison after school," Keith informed Lance. "Apparently Pidge has something to show us or something. I'm not sure."
Lance nodded. "Sounds like a plan to me."
"Good," Keith smiled, before mirroring Lance's position, head propped by his hand.
"So," he spoke. "What's on your mind?"
Lance shrugged. "Its strange. I feel like everything is starting to wind down. I haven't had any sort of problem with Mr. Z in ages. It's... a strange feeling to be left alone for once."
Keith laughed at that.
"I see what you're saying," Keith said at last, gripping Lance's hand in his own.
"But you're not really alone. And hey, maybe it's a good thing things are starting to calm down. You deserve a break from everything that's happened recently."
"I guess," Lance snorted.
"Sup, lovebirds."
The two parted gazes to look up at the voice, who, of course, was Pidge.
"Hey," Keith greeted in return, completely disregarding the comment about their affections.
"You two alright?" She asked more seriously as she unpacked her lunch.
"Yeah," Lance answered. "Just discussing the future."
Pidge huffed out a breath of air.
"The future, huh? Are you prepared for your public speech?"
"I am and I'm not at the same time. I know everything I'm going to say by heart, but it's just the stress that's getting me."
"That's just like anyone else, trust me. You'll do fine."
"Thanks," Lance nodded, before biting into his sandwich.
"No problem. And hey, remember to come to the Garrison after school."
Lance gave a thumbs up. "Keith told me."
"Hey guys!"
Romelle's voice was heard from behind, followed by Allura.
"Lance, are you ready for the performance tomorrow?"

Oh yeah. That was happening too.

"You bet!" Lance grinned. "I can't wait!"
"You're probably going to get the most compliments. You're our best gymnast."
"Shush, you'll do great as well," Lance winked.
"Are you guys all coming to see us?" Romelle asked, looking hopefully at everyone.
"I wouldn't dare miss it!" Hunk grinned.
Keith nodded. "I would be a pretty sore boyfriend if I didn't come to support Lance."
Lance gave Keith a gentle nudge, a playful smirk on his face.
"What!" Keith asked, taking the smile to be rather teasing. "I'm just being supportive here!"
"I know, I know," Lance chuckled.
"But on a serious note," Lance said, his smile fading. "I wanted to tell you all something about me. Something that might change how you view me."
There was the sudden look of surprise from Keith, Pidge, and Shiro alike.
They knew what he was about to say.
But nobody moved to stop him.
"It's pained me to keep a secret from all of you for so long. I've finally decided I want to share it with you, because I want to be seen truly for who I am."
Lance shared a glance with with Keith, giving him a small nod, as if to say I want to do this.
"The truth is," he began, fidgiting.
"I'm not entirely who you think I am. And before I tell you, I want you guys to promise me that you will keep it in this tight circle. Nobody is to know except for us."
Each person gave their promise, eyes both concerned and curious.

"I am Frost."

There.
He said it.
It was done.
Was it?

Looking around, there were a few slightly shocked expressions on Hunk, Romelle, and Allura's faces, but overall, it faded into understanding.
"I knew," Keith said with a shrug.
"Same," Pidge said, sipping her soda.
"I did too," Shiro nodded.
The other three looked skeptical.
"Wait," Hunk asked, confusion in his dark eyes.
"You're Frost? The villain Frost?"
"Ex-Villain," Lance said with an eye twitch.
"I'm not surprised," Allura said softly. "I knew there was something going on between you and Keith at first, I couldn't tell what. And I'm guessing, now that I look at all of you, that Keith, you are Slate, yes? Shiro, you're actually Kuron, and Pidge... of course, you're just Pidge."
The short girl blinked. "Wait, how did you-"
"I find it funny. I guess maybe heroes travel in packs. I'm Lioness."
There was shock there, everyone's eyes turned toward her.
"What the fresh fuck," Pidge said, looking at Allura. "How did I not see the resemblance?"
Allura chuckled.
"I'm not around a lot, maybe that's why. White lion masks my looks, too."
Pidge's eyes narrowed.
"And Hunk?"
The male shrugged.
"I've got nothing special, besides my engineering skills."
"You're iron man. Got it."
Hunk rolled his eyes.
"And Romelle?"
"Nothing, but I do aid Allura sometimes."

Keith spoke up.
"So what now?"
Well....
Keith was right.

What now?

A/N:
That's probably the worst chapter I've ever written but I don't give a shit anymore lmao, I'm busy writing my other fanfic. I just thought I would gift this shitty chapter after a long absence. Enjoy lol?