Accidental Intentions

6 • Scandal

Scared as he was, Lance couldn't help but laugh at the look of panic on his attacker's face.

"It's not what— We're just, you see..." Keith blundered on uselessly as he attempted to untangle himself from Lance.

"Shiro! Help me! He came on so strong I didn't know what to do," Lance tried his best to plead through his laughter and Keith's protests.

It was clear that Shiro didn't buy it, possibly because Lance was having too much fun.

"Okay..." He moved to approach the boys, but after a few steps he hit the invisible barrier.

Lance roared at his surprised face. "He set up the maze so I can't get out!" He accused.

Keith snapped. "I WILL FUCKING END YOU, YOU PIECE OF SHIT!"

Lance had to roll out of the way as Keith brought his fist down. He popped up to his feet, and felt along the wall, seeking entrance. Lance was sure even Shiro could see the bloodlust in Keith's eyes. He might actually be in a smidge of danger.
Just then the wall gave way, and Lance lost no time scampering behind Shiro as Keith charged.
As Lance tried to dart off, Shiro caught him with his left hand, and stopped Keith's fury rampage with his metal arm. "Just stop. What is going on?"

"That bastard!" Keith sputtered. "He locked me up last night."

"Huh?"

"No. You locked yourself up. I did try to warn you. He's mad because I stole his shirt," Lance confessed proudly.

"My favorite shirt!" Keith growled.

"His favorite shirt," Lance corrected.

Keith's face contorted with rage as he slashed out at Lance, but the Black Paladin held both boys at a distance. Lance aggravated the situation by taunting Keith, secure in Shiro's protection. Shiro had half a mind to loosen his grip on the feisty boy in pink.

"Lance, stop teasing him. Keith, calm down."

"I will not! He—"

"KEITH! I said Calm. Down."

Both boys were shocked into submission at Shiro's "dad" voice. Lance because he was familiar with it, Keith because it was so foreign.

"Now here's what's gonna happen. You two are going to stop this madness. You going march back to your rooms. Lance, you're gonna give Keith his shirt back. Keith, you are going to calm down and change into something less...whatever this is. Whatever is going on you need to work it out. You don't have to like each other, but I need you two to be able to work together. I want you both of you at breakfast on time and in a mood fit for the princess's eyes. Understood?"

"Yes, sir," both boys said in unison.

"I'm going to let go now," Shiro warned.

Lance stiffened. He wasn't sure if Keith would rush at him or not. But when Shiro released his mechanical grip nothing happened. It was clear he respected Shiro a lot.

"On your way now," Shiro prodded and the boys were off to fulfill their orders.

Lance was ready to bolt when they turned the corner out of Shiro's eyesight. But Keith made no move. In fact, they made the journey back in stoic silence. Lance glanced nervously at the boy beside him. His eyes were locked on the floor, cheeks red in shame, jaw clenched so hard he might chip a tooth.

"Hey, man I—"

"Morning, guys!" Hunk greeted them with enthusiasm. "Wait? Are you guys wearing each others clothes?"

"I trust Lance gave you your keys," Pidge greeted Keith with a pointed look at Lance.

Keith shot eyes of daggers at Lance as the Blue Paladin reached into his pocket and flicked the keys over in Keith's direction.

He caught them and headed for his room without a word. Lance was sure he was dead the instant he was without witnesses.

"Wait, you left, uh, some things yesterday. Let me get them for you," Pidge offered as she ducked behind the green door momentarily before emerging with a bottle of shampoo, a pair of black skinny jeans, and one boot.

Keith collected the items with a grunt of thanks before slamming the red door behind him.

"Uh, what was that?" Hunk probed, scandalized.

"Play nice," she admonished Lance before making her way to breakfast.

Lance turned to enter his own room, but not before he heard Hunk's concern echo down the hall. "Pidge? What were his pants doing in your room?"

Lance chuckled, satisfied with his mischief-making.

Then the alarms started blaring.