The Red Paladins Klance

Chapter 15

“Okay, guys. We’ve had a long journey. We stay in Blue’s cave for tonight to rest, wait for the storm to pass. Tomorrow, we all go our separate ways for a few vargas, locate our families, and then meet up in a rendezvous point. It won’t be long before the Galaxy Garrison finds out we’re back. We’ll probably be arrested and interrogated by them, and the most we can do is talk calmly and rationally. We can’t explain what’s happened in space, especially about the Galra. Not yet. Not only do we need to adjust to being back on Earth after so long, but they also need to adjust to us not being dead. Including our families. We take it slow, okay?” Keith had gathered everyone together under the shelter of Blue’s cave, addressing them all.

   “He’s right. It’s going to feel weird for a while to be back on Earth. Nothing is going to be like we remember it. We’re all going to experience a serious case of sensory overload, because we’ll feel so out of place. It’ll go away after a while, but it will affect us.” Pidge spoke up. “Sensory overload? Well that sounds fun.” Lance said sarcastically, crossing his arms. “It’s not. Trust me. I should say that it will have a more worse effect when it comes to those of us who experience anxiety.” Pidge said. Keith instantly glanced at Lance, concern hitting him. He’d been nothing but anxious and excited since they’d begun their journey home. How badly would it affect him? When the others dispersed, Keith took Lance’s hand, catching his attention. “I’m sorry.” He said softly.

Lance blinked at him, confused. “What for?” He asked.

“You have to wait a bit longer to get home, and I know that wasn’t what you wanted.” Keith said. “Don’t be sorry, Keith. This isn’t your fault. Things happen.” Lance said. Keith brushed his thumb over his knuckles, “I know. But still.” He said. When night came down, the storm passed away, revealing the night sky. Lance suddenly shot up with a gasp, alarmed. He wildly looked around, only to calm down when he found that he really was where he wanted to be ever since he left to space. He was really home. It wasn’t a dream. He looked out the mouth of Blue’s cave, seeing that the storm had passed. His eyes widened when he saw that the sky was littered with stars. He turned, gently nudging Keith. “Keith. Keith.” He whispered, so to not wake the others. Keith slightly stirred, his bangs falling over his eyes.

   Lance brushed them away, leaning in and lightly kissing his forehead. “Red. Sweetheart.” He whispered, pulling back. Keith’s eyes fluttered open, instantly landing on Lance. “Lance? What’s wrong? Are you okay?” He asked, becoming aware in less than a second as he sat up, his mullet messy. “Nothing’s wrong, calm down. I just wanted to show you something.” Lance said as he reached out, fixing his hair. Keith relaxed against him and pressed for more as he rubbed his eyes. “What is it?” He asked, more quiet. “Come. I’ll show you.” Lance said, standing up and grabbing his hand, slowly pulling him to his feet. He lead him to the mouth of Blue’s cave, just barely outside. He looked at Keith and indicated to the sky with his head. “Look.” He said. Keith looked out, and his eyes slightly narrowed. “More stars.” He said with a frown. “Right? It’s the weirdest thing. I used to love star gazing.” Lance said. Then he sighed, “Now I realize that I’m so sick of looking at the stars.” He said. “I guess that’s part of the displacement Pidge was talking about.” Keith remarked.

“What do you think the new Castle will be like?” He suddenly asked.

“Probably as good as the old one. But nothing can top the original. Probably a good training deck too.” Lance said. Keith slightly smiled, “With new things for us to set the highest scores for. A new maze.” He said. “It might be bigger, too. With a stronger shield.” Lance said. “Guess we’ll know tomorrow when we meet up with Pidge’s father.” Keith said. Lance suddenly looked at him, and turned to him. “Hey...come with me tomorrow. Meet my family.” He said softly. Keith slightly smiled, “Krolia needs to see my father. I have to show her. Why don’t we make a plan to meet up somewhere after you’ve seen your family, and you can take me to meet them?” He said. Lance nodded, “Okay. How about, uh-“ He was cut off by Keith, “My shack?” He asked. Lance’s eyes widened, “I was just gonna say that. How’d you know?” He asked. “I mean, it’s the one place we both know and have been to. It was the only thing I could think of besides the Garrison, which we have to avoid for now.” Keith said. “Okay. That’s the plan, then. How long will you be?” Lance asked. “Krolia will need time to grieve. We’ll use our helmets to communicate, all right?” Keith said. “Okay. I’ll come to get you as soon as you’re done, then. Oh wait. Where will she go when she’s done? What about Allura, Coran, and Blue?” He said.