"...so, I'm really sorry for what happened." Shiro had finally finished his long apology.
Keith nodded, inching closer to the door. "Uh huh."
"I know you aren't a child, and you want to be more independent, but as your older brother, I still feel the need to look after you. Because I love you."
"Mhm."
"You're just so important, and it'd be terrible if something happened---I'm sorry, I'm trying to apologize here, but I can't help but feel like you're distracted."
Keith was halfway to reaching the doorknob. "Dis... distracted? Me? No, of course not!"
Shiro pouted, but Adam came from behind and set his hand on the man's back. "We can tell you want to leave, Keith. Go ahead."
"Really?" He smiled, bouncing excitedly. The sooner he could leave, the sooner he could spend time with Lance.
"Of course."
"Thank you!" He then threw the door open and dashed outside.
Adam giggled at Keith's behavior, catching Shiro's attention, "What?"
Letting out another chuckle, Adam headed back to the kitchen. "Watch out, Takashi. Your baby brother's in love."
"WHAT?!"
~
Lance exhaled, folding his arms behind his head. He was lying on the sand when he heard footsteps running towards him. Peeking one eye open, Lance chuckled. "Took you long enough."
"Says the guy who made me wait a month."
"Touché." Lance sat up as Keith got himself comfortable, criss crossing his legs. "Hi." He whispered, kissing Keith on the cheek.
"...wh-what was that for?" Keith blushed and touched his cheek; he almost couldn't comprehend the action.
Lance, however, didn't seem as shy anymore. "Twas a kiss, my dear. A compliment to your beauty."
Keith buried his face in his hands, the burning sensation in his cheeks spread up to his ears. "Shut up." There was no answer, so Keith peeked through his fingertips, only to find Lance already staring at him. "...now what?"
"Nothing." He leaned closer and rubbed his head against Keith's. "Missed you."
Humming in agreement, Keith locked his pinkie with Lance's, but he then frowned. "Where's Allura?"
"She headed back. Figured our parents would get suspicious if we were both gone for too long and send someone looking for us."
"You mean she went by herself?!"
"Hey, she'll be fine." Lance hugged Keith's waist. "She's actually super tough... I'm pretty sure the sharks are terrified of her."
"...geez."
"She loves you though, don't worry. Unless you make her mad... then you should worry."
"Well then. I just won't make her mad."
A few seconds longer of staring at each other, Lance then took a deep breath. "So! Ready for some more swim lessons?"
"I guess so." Keith pulled his shirt and pants off, but not before making sure no one was looking. If course if someone was looking, Keith should really be more concerned about them seeing Lance. A mermaid. "Okay. I'm ready."
"..."
Keith frowned, turning to the merman. "Lance?" He waved a hand in front of his face, but then realized what happened. Blushing furiously, Keith pulled his shirt over his torso. "LANCE!"
