beaming | keith kogane

XVI | uncomfortable

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—

I FELT UNCOMFORTABLE, moving around in the slightly weird texture of the clothing. Currently, I was awkwardly waiting for the rest of the group. Apparently, Y/n was determined that we all go in the haunted house together once they arrived. I knew better though, I knew that Lance would hate my presence and shun me from the group.

I wouldn't be surprised if my prediction came to life. Y/n, on the other hand, was highly optimistic about this. "I really doubt this'll work out," My voice was slightly muffled and it sounded like I even had a slight lisp, the fangs messing up my usual speech. Right then and there, I wanted to toss those things into the nearest bush.

Y/n laughed. I won't lie, she made a cute red riding hood. "Don't knock it till you try it, Keith," She murmured softly, looking up ahead. She was looking ahead and spotted a familiar silhouette, waving ecstatically. I could tell by the shine of the metal arm, it was Shiro. He was accompanied by his boyfriend Adam. The two were dressed up as knights.

A limo on my left pulled up, my teeth gritting at the sight. Sometimes, I forgot how unintentionally rich the rest of my friends were. Allura opened the door, she was dressed up as an archer and Romelle popped out on the other side. Romelle was dressed up as an enchantress and if I wasn't mistaken, she used some of her own powers to create vines on her dress.

She teased me once she saw me, "You make a deadly vampire. Are you going to hunch over and say 'I vant to suck your vlood!'" The blonde hunched over, holding her hands up and acting as if they were claws. I rolled my eyes at her antics and shoved her gently as my palm made contact with her face, "Oh, quit it." She studied me, grinning. "Someone's a sour pus."

Y/n turned around at that, "Not for long! We're going to go in as soon as the rest of the gang gets here—" Footsteps caught up behind me and it was hardly something I noticed. My yellow eyes took over by instinct, but the purple fur was far from visible. My ears became pointed, allowing me to hear better as my sight kicked in its enhanced night vision.

It was easier to make out Perla and Lance's faces now. Perla was dressed up as Scarlett Fox character from Temple Run. Lance was dressed up like a knock off of Robin Hood, but more fox-like. I suspected that Pidge and Hunk were around the corner since I could hear their voices from here. Without hesitation, I took a step forward and ventured forth.

Y/n blinked, "Wait, we have to join Hunk and Pidge too!" I just continued on. In all honesty, I wanted to get this over with. It's not that I hated haunted houses, but the awkwardness and tension from our group alone was enough to choke me to death. I entered without a care in the world, occasionally admiring the work that they put into the haunted house. 

I made a right turn, entering a room of mirrors of some sort. "A trap?" I muttered. I was searching for another word, but that was the closest thing I could label it as. There were other rooms to go into, but I wanted to stay in this one. There weren't as many people. Reflections of myself stared back at me, some mirrors cracked and others intact.

There were steps behind me before a laugh rang out, a retort coming up as well. "No, a trap is Nagisa Shiota from Assassination Classroom." I turned around, startled as my yellow eyes clashed with brown ones. "Perla," I mumbled, staring back at her. She smiled back, but it seemed bittersweet. "Keith," She replied in the same tone, but more cheery. 

I shoved my hands into the depths of the cloak, wrapping the black cloth around myself. "You know you can go with the others; it's not like I'm starving for company—" She cut me off with ease, resting a hand on my left shoulder. "—I could go with the others or I could stay with you, my childhood best friend," She paused, looking away briefly.

"Besides, we need to talk about some things." 

I don't know if it was relief or dread that filled me first. I just wanted to talk to her, but I was scared about what she wanted to talk about. "I missed you," Perla said quietly, her teal curls moving as she shifted towards me, wrapping her arms around my waist. I smiled down at her, taking in a breath of relief. "I missed you too, Perls." I hugged her back gently.

She buried her face in my chest, "I love you a lot; you know that, Keith. I've always wanted the best for you. It hurts to know that you misjudged Y/n like that, but I get it. I just hope that you've gotten to know her better too. I don't mean that this was coordinated, but I'm glad that you two got to know each other well during my 'absence'." Perla used air quotes, pulling away.

I averted my eyes, "I guess. She isn't that bad, but I still don't get why my love sprite doesn't affect her. I mean, it does with most people—" She smacked a hand over my mouth, shutting me up. "We aren't here to worry about that sort of stuff, we're just here to have a few scares." Perla reminded me, grinning widely.

I grabbed her wrist, slowly dropping her hand from my mouth as I rolled my eyes dramatically. "Yeah? And what will Lance say about this? He hates every bone in my body with an inexplicable depth, Perls. I get he's your boyfriend, but it's a bit shitty." The words left my mouth before I could bite my tongue in retaliation. 

She ventured forth in between other mirrors, looking over her shoulder briefly before she smiled. "If Lance has a problem with it, I'll deal with it. You're my best friend Keith, there's no way I'm leaving you behind."